動かす

§ What does 動かす mean?

The Japanese verb 動かす (ugokasu) means 'to move' in a transitive sense. This means there's an object that is being moved by an agent. Think of it as 'to cause something to move.' It's a common and practical verb you'll encounter frequently in everyday Japanese conversations and written materials. If you're talking about moving an object, a car, your body part, or even a system, 動かす is often the word you'll use.

§ When to use 動かす

You use 動かす when you are actively causing something to move. This is different from 自動詞 (jidōshi - intransitive verbs) like 動く (ugoku), which means 'to move' but implies that the object moves on its own. 動かす requires an agent to perform the action of moving something. Let's look at some scenarios:

• Moving physical objects: This is the most straightforward use. Whether you're moving a chair, a box, or a piece of furniture, 動かす is the verb.
• Moving body parts: If you want to say you moved your arm or your finger, you'll use 動かす.
• Operating machinery or systems: When you start or operate a machine, you are 'moving' it in a functional sense.
• Shifting people or groups: While less common than for objects, you can use 動かす to talk about influencing or mobilizing people.
• Making a decision or progressing a situation: In a more abstract sense, you can use it to talk about 'moving' a plan forward or 'moving' someone to change their mind.

It's important to understand the transitive nature of 動かす. Always ask yourself: 'Is something being moved by someone or something?' If the answer is yes, then 動かす is likely the correct verb.

DEFINITION

To cause something to change its position; to operate or start something.

§ Examples of 動かす in action

Hint: This desk is too heavy, I cannot move it by myself.

Hint: He didn't move a single finger.

Hint: Is it difficult to operate the new machine?

Mastering the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs like 動かす and 動く is crucial for natural-sounding Japanese. Pay attention to context and whether an agent is performing the action on an object.

§ 動かす (ugokasu): Basic Meaning

Let's get straight to it. 動かす (ugokasu) is a verb that means 'to move something' or 'to operate something'. It's a transitive verb, which means it always needs a direct object – something being moved. Think of it like pushing, pulling, or starting a machine. This is a very common and useful verb in Japanese, so mastering it early on is a smart move.

§ Everyday use of 動かす (ugokasu)

You'll hear 動かす (ugokasu) in a lot of practical situations. Here are some common ones:

• Moving physical objects: This is the most straightforward use. Anything you physically shift from one place to another.

  この机を動かしてください。

  Definition

  Please move this desk.

• Operating machinery or vehicles: When you start or run a machine, you use 動かす (ugokasu).

  車を動かす前に、シートベルトを締めてください。

  Definition

  Before you start/move the car, please fasten your seatbelt.

• Moving a body part: If you want to talk about moving your arm, leg, or head.

  腕をゆっくり動かしてください。

  Definition

  Please move your arm slowly.

§ 動かす (ugokasu) in Work and School

In more formal or specific contexts like work and school, 動かす (ugokasu) still keeps its core meaning but applies to different things.

• Operating equipment in a work setting:

  この機械は誰が動かしますか。

  Definition

  Who will operate this machine?

• Moving data or files (figuratively): While you might use different verbs for 'transferring' data, '動かす' can sometimes be used when talking about making systems or programs run.

  新しいシステムを来週から動かす予定です。

  Definition

  We plan to start/run the new system from next week.

§ 動かす (ugokasu) in the News

In news reports, you might hear 動かす (ugokasu) when talking about:

• Moving emergency services or personnel:

  警察は捜査チームを動かしました。

  Definition

  The police deployed/mobilized an investigation team.

• Operating large-scale systems (like trains or power plants):

  電車の運行を再開するために、システムを動かす必要があります。

  Definition

  We need to get the system running to restart train operations.

As you can see, 動かす (ugokasu) is highly versatile. Pay attention to what object it's paired with, and you'll quickly grasp its exact meaning in context. Keep practicing!

§ Understanding 動かす (ugokasu)

Let's talk about 動かす (ugokasu). This is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object. You *move* something. Think of it as actively causing something to change its position.

Japanese Word

動かす (ugokasu)

Definition

To move (transitive). To cause something to move.

Hint

Please move this desk.

Hint

It's hard to move heavy luggage.

§ 動く (ugoku): The Intransitive Counterpart

The most direct contrast to 動かす is 動く (ugoku). This is an intransitive verb. It means something *moves* by itself or without a direct external agent. Think of it as simply 'to be in motion.'

Japanese Word

動く (ugoku)

Definition

To move (intransitive). To be in motion.

Hint

The train is moving.

Hint

The clock isn't moving (working).

§ 移す (utsusu): To Shift or Transfer

Now let's look at 移す (utsusu). This also means to move something, but it carries the nuance of *shifting* or *transferring* something from one place to another, often with a purpose or destination in mind. It's about changing location.

Japanese Word

移す (utsusu)

Definition

To move, to shift, to transfer (transitive).

Hint

I moved (transferred) the books to another shelf.

Hint

He moved (transferred) his base to Tokyo.

§ 移動する (idou suru): To Relocate or Migrate

Finally, 移動する (idou suru) is a more formal and general term for 'to move,' 'to relocate,' or 'to migrate.' It often implies a more significant or official change of place, and can be used for both people and objects.

Japanese Word

移動する (idou suru)

Definition

To move, to relocate, to migrate (transitive/intransitive).

Hint

Please move (relocate) to the next meeting room.

Hint

We need to move (transfer) the data to another server.

§ When to use each word

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• 動かす (ugokasu): Use this when *you* are actively causing something to move. It emphasizes the agent performing the action. (e.g., "I moved the chair.")

• 動く (ugoku): Use this when something *itself* is moving, or when it's in motion. It emphasizes the state of being in motion. (e.g., "The car is moving.")

• 移す (utsusu): Use this when you are *shifting* or *transferring* something from one specific place to another. The focus is on the change of location. (e.g., "I moved the files to a new folder.")

• 移動する (idou suru): Use this for a more general or formal 'move,' 'relocate,' or 'migrate.' It can be both transitive and intransitive. (e.g., "We will move to a new office next month." or "The animals migrate south for the winter.")

Think about the nuance you want to convey. Are you the one doing the moving? Is something just moving on its own? Are you changing its specific location, or is it a broader relocation?