Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
動く
うごく (ugoku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
引っ越しする
ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 動く and 引っ越しする.
In Japanese, 動く (うごく (ugoku)) is typically associated with "to move" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to something or someone changing position, functioning, or operating. Can be intransitive.
On the other hand, 引っ越しする (ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)) maps to "to move (house/residence)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when changing residences. Often followed by 'に' for the destination or 'から' for the origin. The 'する' makes it a verb.. A literal translation of "move" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "動く"
この機械はもう動きません。
This machine doesn't move anymore.
Bilingual Context for "引っ越しする"
来月、新しいアパートに引っ越しします。
I will move to a new apartment next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この機械はもう動きません。" (Meaning: "This machine doesn't move anymore.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "動く" fits here because it means "to move" in the context of: "This machine doesn't move anymore.". "引っ越しする" represents "to move (house/residence)".