Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "動く", "動かす", "引っ越す", "移動する"
All represent the core concept "move", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
動く
うごく (ugoku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
動かす
うごかす (ugokasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
引っ越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
移動する
いどうする (idou suru)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "move" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "動く", "動かす", "引っ越す", "移動する" based on context.
- 動く (うごく (ugoku) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move" and is used when Refers to something or someone changing position, functioning, or operating. Can be intransitive.
- 動かす (うごかす (ugokasu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move, to operate (transitive)" and is used when To cause something to move or to operate a machine. It requires a subject performing the action on an object..
- 引っ越す (ひっこす (hikkosu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move house, to relocate" and is used when Refers to changing one's residence. 「〜に引っ越す」.
- 移動する (いどうする (idou suru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to move, to transfer" and is used when Refers to movement from one place to another, often of people or objects. More formal than 「動く.
Context for "動く"
この機械はもう動きません。
This machine doesn't move anymore.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この機械はもう動きません。" (Meaning: "This machine doesn't move anymore.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "動く" is correct here because it represents "to move" in the context: "This machine doesn't move anymore.".