Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "移る", "動かす", "引っ越す", "一手"
All represent the core concept "move", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
移る
うつる (utsuru)
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
一手
いって (itte)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "move" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "移る", "動かす", "引っ越す", "一手" based on context.
- 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」.
- 一手 (いって (itte) - Level: N2): Maps to "(1) a move (in board games), (2) the only way/method, a strategy" and is used when 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。.
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 "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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会社が大阪に本社を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "The company's head office is moving to Osaka.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "移る" is correct here because it represents "to move (to a different place), to transfer, to spread (e.g., disease)" in the context: "The company's head office is moving to Osaka.".