🦅 Project Eagle
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

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 引っ越しする and 移動する. 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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "移動する" represents "to move, to transfer".