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 動く and 引越す.
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 "動く"
この機械はもう動きません。
This machine doesn't move anymore.
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.". "引越す" represents "to move (house); to change residence (verb)".