Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
移る
うつる (utsuru)
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 移る and 一手.
In Japanese, 移る (うつる (utsuru)) is typically associated with "to move (to a different place), to transfer, to spread (e.g., disease)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something moves or changes location/state on its own. Can also mean an illness spreading..
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 "移る"
会社が大阪に本社を移る。
The company's head office is moving to Osaka.
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: "会社が大阪に本社を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "The company's head office is moving to Osaka.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "移る" fits here because it means "to move (to a different place), to transfer, to spread (e.g., disease)" in the context of: "The company's head office is moving to Osaka.". "一手" represents "(1) a move (in board games), (2) the only way/method, a strategy".