Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
引っ越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
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 引っ越す and 一手.
In Japanese, 引っ越す (ひっこす (hikkosu)) is typically associated with "to move house, to relocate" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to changing one's residence. 「〜に引っ越す」.
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 "引っ越す"
来月、新しいアパートに引っ越します。
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ます。" (Meaning: "I will move to a new apartment next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "引っ越す" fits here because it means "to move house, to relocate" 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".