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
移動する
いどうする (idou suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 動かす and 移動する.
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, 移動する (いどうする (idou suru)) maps to "to move, to transfer" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to movement from one place to another, often of people or objects. More formal than 「動く. 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 "移動する"
次の会議室に移動してください。
Please move to the next meeting room.
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.". "移動する" represents "to move, to transfer".