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
引っ越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 移る and 引っ越す.
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, 引っ越す (ひっこす (hikkosu)) maps to "to move house, to relocate" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to changing one's residence. 「〜に引っ越す」. 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 "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.
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.". "引っ越す" represents "to move house, to relocate".