Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "移る", "動かす", "移動する", "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
移動する
いどうする (idou suru)
N3 / 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", "移動する", "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..
- 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.
- 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 "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.
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.".