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
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 移る and 移動する.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "移動する" represents "to move, to transfer".