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
動かす
うごかす (ugokasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 移る and 動かす.
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, 動かす (うごかす (ugokasu)) maps to "to move, to operate (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To cause something to move or to operate a machine. It requires a subject performing the action on an object.. 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 "動かす"
この機械は指で簡単に動かせます。
You can easily operate this machine with your finger.
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.". "動かす" represents "to move, to operate (transitive)".