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
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 引っ越す and 移動する.
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, 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 "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.". "移動する" represents "to move, to transfer".