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
引越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "move" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 移動する and 引越す.
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, 引越す (ひっこす (hikkosu)) maps to "to move (house); to change residence (verb)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The verb form of moving house. Implies the action of changing one's residence.. 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 "引越す"
来週末、東京に引越す予定です。
I plan to move to Tokyo next weekend.
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.". "引越す" represents "to move (house); to change residence (verb)".