Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
動かす
うごかす (ugokasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 動かす and 引越す.
In Japanese, 動かす (うごかす (ugokasu)) is typically associated with "to move, to operate (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To cause something to move or to operate a machine. It requires a subject performing the action on an object..
On the other hand, 引越す (ひっこす (hikkosu)) maps to "to move (house); to change residence (verb)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The verb form of moving house. Implies the action of changing one's residence.. A literal translation of "move" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "動かす"
この機械は指で簡単に動かせます。
You can easily operate this machine with your finger.
Bilingual Context for "引越す"
来週末、東京に引越す予定です。
I plan to move to Tokyo next weekend.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この機械は指で簡単に動かせます。" (Meaning: "You can easily operate this machine with your finger.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "動かす" fits here because it means "to move, to operate (transitive)" in the context of: "You can easily operate this machine with your finger.". "引越す" represents "to move (house); to change residence (verb)".