Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "動く", "移る", "動かす", "引っ越す", "引っ越しする"
All represent the core concept "move", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
動く
うごく (ugoku)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
移る
うつる (utsuru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
動かす
うごかす (ugokasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
引っ越す
ひっこす (hikkosu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
引っ越しする
ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru)
N4 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "move" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "動く", "移る", "動かす", "引っ越す", "引っ越しする" 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.
- 移る (うつる (utsuru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move (to a different place), to transfer, to spread (e.g., disease)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something moves or changes location/state on its own. Can also mean an illness spreading..
- 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」.
- 引っ越しする (ひっこしする (hikkoshi suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move (house/residence)" and is used when Used when changing residences. Often followed by 'に' for the destination or 'から' for the origin. The 'する' makes it a verb..
Context for "動く"
この機械はもう動きません。
This machine doesn't move anymore.
Context for "移る"
会社が大阪に本社を移る。
The company's head office is moving to Osaka.
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 "引っ越しする"
来月、新しいアパートに引っ越しします。
I will move to a new apartment next month.
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.".