Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
引っ越しする
ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
一手
いって (itte)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 引っ越しする and 一手.
In Japanese, 引っ越しする (ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 一手 (いって (itte)) maps to "(1) a move (in board games), (2) the only way/method, a strategy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can refer to a single move in board games like Go or Shogi. More broadly, it means the only effective way or strategy to deal with a situation, often as a last resort. 状況を打開するための唯一の手段や方策を指すことが多いです。. A literal translation of "move" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "一手"
これが状況を打開する唯一の一手だ。
This is the only move/method to break through the situation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月、新しいアパートに引っ越しします。" (Meaning: "I will move to a new apartment next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "引っ越しする" fits here because it means "to move (house/residence)" in the context of: "I will move to a new apartment next month.". "一手" represents "(1) a move (in board games), (2) the only way/method, a strategy".