Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Move" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "move", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
移動する
いどうする (idou suru)
N3 / 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 移動する and 一手.
In Japanese, 移動する (いどうする (idou suru)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "移動する"
次の会議室に移動してください。
Please move to the next meeting room.
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: "次の会議室に移動してください。" (Meaning: "Please move to the next meeting room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "移動する" fits here because it means "to move, to transfer" in the context of: "Please move to the next meeting room.". "一手" represents "(1) a move (in board games), (2) the only way/method, a strategy".