Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "動く", "移る", "動かす", "移す"
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
移す
うつす (utsusu)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "move" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "動く", "移る", "動かす", "移す" 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..
- 移す (うつす (utsusu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to move (something); to transfer; to infect" and is used when This is a transitive verb. It means to physically move an object, to transfer something.
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 "移す"
机を窓の近くに移しました。
I moved the desk near the window.
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.".