A2 verb #2,000 most common 5 min read

移動する

This word means to move from one place to another.

idousuru

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Today we're learning 移動する (idō suru). This word means 'to move'. Imagine you are in your room, and you walk to the door. You 移動する! Or, if you have a toy car, and you push it. The car 移動するs. It's just moving from one spot to another spot. Like when you stand up and walk. You 移動する! It's a very simple word for moving your body or things.

The Japanese verb 移動する (idō suru) means 'to move from one place to another'. It's a very common verb used in many situations. For example, if you are on a train, the train 移動するs. If you walk from your house to the park, you 移動する. You can use it for people, animals, or vehicles. Let's say you want to tell someone to move, you can say 「そこへ移動してください」 (Soko e idō shite kudasai), which means 'Please move there'. It’s a basic but important verb for describing movement.

移動する (idō suru) is a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to move' or 'to transfer'. It's used when describing changes in location for people, objects, or vehicles. For instance, you might say 「バスが移動します」 (Basu ga idō shimasu) - 'The bus is moving'. It can also refer to moving data or files on a computer: 「ファイルを移動する」 (Fairu o idō suru) - 'to move a file'. Remember to use particles like 「へ」 (e) or 「に」 (ni) to indicate the destination. This verb is essential for discussing travel, daily routines, and even simple actions like changing seats.

The Japanese verb 移動する (idō suru) signifies the act of changing location or position. It's a neutral term applicable to a wide range of subjects, from animate beings to inanimate objects and even abstract concepts like data. For example, 「群衆が広場へ移動した」 (Gunshū ga hiroba e idō shita) means 'The crowd moved to the plaza'. In a more technical sense, it can mean 'to transfer', as in 「データをサーバーへ移動する」 (Dēta o sābā e idō suru) - 'to move data to the server'. Understanding its usage with particles like 「へ」 (e) or 「に」 (ni) for destination is crucial for accurate communication. It's also the root for terms like 「移動手段」 (idō shudan - means of transportation).

移動する (idō suru) is a fundamental verb in Japanese, denoting the transition from one spatial locus to another. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing physical displacement of persons, animals, vehicles, and objects, as well as the transfer of abstract entities like information or funds. Consider its use in contexts such as 「組織の再編に伴い、部署が新棟へ移動することになった。」 (Soshiki no saihan ni tomonai, busho ga shintō e idō suru koto ni natta.) - 'Following the organizational restructuring, the department will be relocated to the new building.' It can also imply a more subtle shift, like a change in focus or priority, though less commonly than its literal meaning. The noun form, 移動 (idō), is prevalent in technical and logistical discussions, appearing in terms like 移動経路 (idō keiro - movement route) or 移動制限 (idō seigen - movement restrictions).

The verb 移動する (idō suru), derived from the Sino-Japanese compound 移動 (idō), represents the core concept of spatial relocation. Its etymological roots in 移 ('to shift') and 動 ('to move') underscore its comprehensive meaning of changing position. Beyond the literal, it can metaphorically represent shifts in status, influence, or even the progression of time in certain literary contexts, though such usage is rare and context-dependent. For instance, in discussions of urban planning or logistics, 移動する is indispensable, appearing in phrases like 「交通網の再編による住民の移動パターンの変化」 (Kōtsūmō no saihan ni yoru jūmin no idō patān no henka) - 'Changes in resident movement patterns due to the reorganization of the transportation network.' Its grammatical flexibility as a 'suru' verb allows for nuanced expression through various conjugations and derivations, making it a cornerstone of descriptive Japanese vocabulary across academic, technical, and everyday registers.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • 移動する (idō suru) means 'to move' from one place to another.
  • It's a versatile verb used for people, objects, data, etc.
  • Requires particles like へ/に (destination) or を (object).
  • Common in daily life, travel, and business contexts.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 移動する (idō suru). At its heart, it simply means 'to move' or 'to transfer' from one place to another. Think about all the ways we move throughout our day! You 移動する when you walk to school, when a bus 移動するs down the road, or even when your computer files 移動する from one folder to another. It's a versatile word that covers a huge range of motion and relocation.

The beauty of 移動する lies in its broad applicability. It's not just for people; it can describe the movement of animals, vehicles, objects, and even abstract things like data. Whether it's a slow, deliberate shift or a quick relocation, this verb has you covered. Understanding 移動する is key to describing how things change their position in the world around us, making your Japanese communication much more dynamic and precise!

The word 移動する (idō suru) is a compound verb formed from the noun 移動 (idō) and the auxiliary verb する (suru), which means 'to do'. The noun 移動 (idō) itself comes from Chinese characters. The first character, 移 (i), means 'to move', 'to shift', or 'to change'. The second character, 動 (dō), means 'to move' or 'to act'. So, literally, 移動 means 'to move and act', or more simply, 'movement'.

This combination highlights the core concept of changing position. The character 移 often implies a change from a previous state or location, while 動 emphasizes the act of motion itself. Together, they create a robust term for the general concept of moving. This word has been used in Japanese for a long time, reflecting the fundamental human need to describe physical displacement. Its structure is quite logical, making it relatively easy to grasp once you understand the meanings of its component parts. It's a great example of how Japanese often combines simpler concepts to create more complex and nuanced vocabulary.

移動する is a workhorse verb in Japanese, used in countless everyday situations. You'll hear it frequently when talking about commuting, traveling, or simply changing locations. For instance, you might say 「駅まで移動する」 (eki made idō suru) meaning 'to move to the station'. It's also used in more technical contexts, like 「データを移動する」 (dēta o idō suru), 'to move data'.

When using 移動する, pay attention to the particle that marks the destination or direction. Often, the particle 「へ」 (e) or 「に」 (ni) is used to indicate where something or someone is moving *to*. For example, 「部屋へ移動する」 (heya e idō suru) means 'to move to the room'. It's a neutral verb, suitable for most situations, from casual conversations to more formal announcements. Think of it as the go-to verb whenever you need to express the idea of changing location, whether it's for people, vehicles, or even abstract concepts.

While 移動する itself is quite literal, it appears in phrases that might feel a bit more idiomatic or specialized. It's not as common to find deeply embedded idioms with 移動する compared to some other verbs, but here are a few ways it's used:

  • 「席を移動する」 (seki o idō suru): This literally means 'to move one's seat'. It's commonly used when you want to change where you are sitting, perhaps in a classroom, meeting, or at a restaurant. Example: 「すみません、もう少し後ろに移動してもいいですか?」 (Sumimasen, mō sukoshi ushiro ni idō shite mo ii desu ka?) - Excuse me, may I move back a little further?
  • 「場所を移動する」 (basho o idō suru): This means 'to move location' or 'to change places'. It's a general phrase for relocating. Example: 「会議のために、別の部屋へ移動しましょう。」 (Kaigi no tame ni, betsu no heya e idō shimashō.) - Let's move to another room for the meeting.
  • 「内政不干渉の原則」 (naisei fukanshō no gensoku): While not directly using 移動する, the concept of non-interference in internal affairs relates to not 'moving into' or interfering with another country's internal matters. This shows how the *idea* of movement or intrusion is relevant.
  • 「転居する」 (tenkyo suru): This verb specifically means 'to move house' or 'to change residence'. It's a more specific type of 移動. Example: 「来月、新しいアパートに転居します。」 (Raigetsu, atarashii apāto ni tenkyo shimasu.) - I will move to a new apartment next month.
  • 「移動手段」 (idō shudan): This refers to 'means of transportation' or 'modes of travel'. It's a noun phrase directly related to the concept of 移動. Example: 「あなたの主な移動手段は何ですか?」 (Anata no omo na idō shudan wa nan desu ka?) - What is your main means of transportation?

移動する (idō suru) is a regular Group 3 verb (a 'suru' verb), which means it follows a predictable conjugation pattern. For example, its past tense is 移動した (idō shita), its negative form is 移動しない (idō shinai), and its potential form (can move) is 移動できる (idō dekiru). The noun form is 移動 (idō).

Pronunciation is key! The word is broken down as i-do-u su-ru. The 'i' sound is like the 'ee' in 'see', 'do' is like the English word 'do', 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'moon' (but shorter), 'su' is like the 'sue' without the 'e', and 'ru' is a tapped 'r' sound, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder' but lighter. The stress is relatively even across the syllables.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • British English: /ˌɪˈdəʊ ˈsʊ.ruː/ (Note: This is an approximation as it's a Japanese word, but reflects how it might be pronounced by an English speaker trying to say it.)
  • American English: /ˌɪˈdoʊ ˈsuː.ruː/ (Similar approximation.)

Rhyming words: Finding perfect rhymes in English for a Japanese word is tricky, but words ending in '-do' or '-oo' sounds might share some phonetic similarity, like 'undo' or 'shoo'. However, focusing on the Japanese pronunciation is more important.

Fun Fact

The characters 移 and 動 both independently mean 'to move', highlighting the importance and emphasis placed on the concept of displacement in the word's formation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌɪˈdəʊ ˈsʊ.ruː/

Sounds like 'ih-DOH SOO-roo', with the 'u' in 'su' being very short and the 'ru' having a light tap.

US /ˌɪˈdoʊ ˈsuː.ruː/

Similar to British, 'ih-DOH SOO-roo', emphasizing the 'DO' and 'SUU' sounds.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'su' too strongly.
  • Making the 'u' sound in 'suru' too long.
  • Not tapping the 'r' in 'ru' lightly.

Rhymes With

undo pursue shoo

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Fairly easy to read once the kanji are recognized.

Writing 2/5

Straightforward conjugation, but requires correct particle usage.

Speaking 2/5

Common verb, easy to incorporate once pronunciation is practiced.

Listening 2/5

Frequently heard, context usually makes it clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する (suru) 場所 (basho) へ (e) に (ni) を (o)

Learn Next

移る (utsuru) 動く (ugoku) 転居する (tenkyo suru) 移転する (iten suru)

Advanced

移動経路 (idō keiro) 移動制限 (idō seigen) 移動販売 (idō hanbai)

Grammar to Know

Particles for Direction (へ, に)

家<strong>へ</strong>行く (go home), 学校<strong>に</strong>着く (arrive at school)

Causative Verb Forms

子供に勉強させる (Make the child study)

'Suru' Verb Conjugation

勉強する -> 勉強した, 勉強しない, etc.

Examples by Level

1

私 は 移動する。

I / move.

Subject + verb.

2

猫 は 移動する。

Cat / moves.

Subject + verb.

3

車 は 移動する。

Car / moves.

Subject + verb.

4

ここへ 移動する。

Here / to move.

Destination + verb (imperative implied).

5

椅子 を 移動する。

Chair / move.

Object + particle + verb.

6

鳥 は 移動する。

Bird / moves.

Subject + verb.

7

ゆっくり 移動する。

Slowly / move.

Adverb + verb.

8

あそこへ 移動する。

Over there / to move.

Destination + verb (imperative implied).

1

子供たちが公園へ移動しました。

Children / park / to moved.

Subject + destination + past tense verb.

2

この荷物を部屋に移動してください。

This / luggage / room / to / please move.

Object + destination + request form.

3

電車は次の駅へ移動中です。

Train / next / station / to / is moving.

Subject + destination + continuous form.

4

私たちは会議室に移動しました。

We / meeting room / to / moved.

Subject + destination + past tense verb.

5

そのテーブルを窓の近くへ移動しよう。

That / table / window / near / to / let's move.

Object + destination + volitional form.

6

彼はオフィス内を移動しました。

He / office / inside / moved.

Subject + location + past tense verb.

7

このデータは新しいフォルダーに移動します。

This / data / new / folder / to / will move.

Object + destination + future tense verb.

8

動物たちは安全な場所へ移動した。

Animals / safe / place / to / moved.

Subject + destination + past tense verb.

1

この本棚を壁際に移動させてもらえますか?

This / bookshelf / wall side / to / let me move? (Can I move this bookshelf near the wall?)

Object + destination + polite request.

2

出張で東京へ移動する予定です。

Business trip / by / Tokyo / to / will move / plan is. (I plan to travel to Tokyo for a business trip.)

Purpose + destination + verb + plan.

3

災害時には、指定された避難場所へ速やかに移動してください。

Disaster time / in / designated / evacuation place / to / promptly / please move.

Condition + destination + imperative.

4

彼の態度は、我々の計画に反対する方向へ移動したようだ。

His / attitude / our / plan / to oppose / direction / to / seems to have moved.

Subject + direction + verb (figurative).

5

新しいシステムでは、ユーザーはより簡単にデータへ移動できます。

New / system / in / user / easily / data / to / can move.

Context + subject + ease + object + potential verb.

6

その芸術作品は、現在、別の美術館へ移動されています。

That / art work / currently / another / museum / to / is being moved.

Subject + destination + passive voice.

7

私たちは、より広いオフィススペースに移動することを検討しています。

We / more / spacious / office space / to / move / consider doing.

Subject + destination + verb + consideration.

8

この地域では、多くの人々が都市部へ移動しています。

This / region / in / many / people / urban area / to / are moving.

Location + subject + destination + continuous form.

1

このプラットフォームは、ユーザー体験を向上させるために、より直感的なインターフェースへと移動しました。

This / platform / user / experience / to improve / for / more / intuitive / interface / to / moved.

Subject + purpose + destination + past tense verb.

2

軍隊は国境付近に部隊を移動させることで、緊張を高めた。

Military / border / near / troops / to move / by / tension / raised.

Subject + location + object + causative verb.

3

企業は、サプライチェーンのリスクを軽減するため、生産拠点を海外へ移動することを余儀なくされた。

Company / supply chain / risk / to reduce / for / production base / overseas / to / move / was forced.

Subject + purpose + object + destination + passive causative.

4

彼の研究は、従来の理論から、より実証的なアプローチへと大きく移動した。

His / research / traditional / theory / from / more / empirical / approach / to / greatly / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + verb (figurative).

5

この地域では、高齢化が進み、若年層がより雇用機会のある都市部へ移動する傾向が見られる。

This / region / in / aging / progresses / young generation / more / employment opportunities / have / urban area / to / move / trend / is seen.

Context + subject + destination + trend.

6

新しい法律により、個人情報の取り扱いについて、より厳格な管理体制へと移動することが求められている。

New / law / by / personal information / handling / about / more / strict / management system / to / move / is being required.

Regulation + subject + destination + passive requirement.

7

そのオーケストラは、古典的なレパートリーから現代音楽へと演奏の幅を移動させている。

That / orchestra / classical / repertoire / from / modern music / to / performance / range / to / is moving.

Subject + origin + destination + verb (figurative).

8

市場の需要の変化に応じて、企業は戦略を柔軟に移動させる必要がある。

Market / demand / change / according to / company / strategy / flexibly / move / need to.

Context + subject + object + adverb + verb + necessity.

1

技術革新の波は、産業構造を根本から再編成し、多くの企業を新たな市場領域へと移動させている。

Technological innovation / wave / industrial structure / from the root / reorganize / many / companies / new / market domain / to / are moving.

Cause + effect + subject + destination + continuous verb.

2

彼の文学作品は、現実主義から幻想文学へと、その焦点を見事に移動させている。

His / literary works / realism / from / fantasy literature / to / their / focus / brilliantly / are moving.

Subject + origin + destination + verb (figurative).

3

グローバル化の進展に伴い、労働力はより安価な賃金とより良い機会を求めて、先進国から発展途上国へと大規模に移動している。

Globalization / progress / with / labor force / cheaper / wages / better / opportunities / seeking / developed countries / from / developing countries / to / on a large scale / are moving.

Context + subject + origin + destination + scale + continuous verb.

4

この哲学的な議論は、存在論的な問いから認識論的な問題へと、その論点を巧みに移動させていく。

This / philosophical discussion / ontological / questions / from / epistemological / problems / to / its / point of argument / skillfully / is moving.

Subject + origin + destination + verb (figurative).

5

環境規制の強化は、製造業に、より持続可能な生産プロセスへと移動することを促している。

Environmental regulations / strengthening / manufacturing industry / more / sustainable / production process / to / move / is prompting.

Cause + subject + destination + causative verb.

6

彼のキャリアは、アカデミアから実業界へと、劇的な移動を見せた。

His / career / academia / from / business world / to / dramatic / movement / showed.

Subject + origin + destination + noun.

7

デジタル化の進展により、情報の保存とアクセス方法が、物理的な媒体からクラウドベースのソリューションへと急速に移動している。

Digitalization / progress / by / information / storage / access method / physical media / from / cloud-based solutions / to / rapidly / are moving.

Cause + subject + origin + destination + speed + continuous verb.

8

その政治家は、穏健派からより急進的な立場へと、その公約を移動させた。

That / politician / moderate faction / from / more / radical / stance / to / their / policy pledges / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + object + verb.

1

宇宙論におけるインフレーション理論は、宇宙の初期状態に関する我々の理解を、静的なモデルから動的な進化の枠組みへと劇的に移動させた。

Cosmology / in / inflation theory / universe / initial state / about / our / understanding / static / models / from / dynamic / evolution / framework / to / dramatically / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + adverb + verb.

2

ポスト構造主義の思想は、言語の意味論的中心から、常に流動的で文脈依存的な周縁へと、我々の解釈の焦点を移動させることを提唱した。

Post-structuralism / thought / language / semantic center / from / always / fluid / context-dependent / periphery / to / our / interpretation / focus / move / advocated.

Subject + origin + destination + verb + proposal.

3

量子力学の出現は、古典物理学の決定論的な宇宙観から、確率論的で観測者依存的な現実像へと、科学的パラダイムを根本的に移動させた。

Quantum mechanics / emergence / classical physics / deterministic / universe view / from / probabilistic / observer-dependent / reality image / to / scientific paradigm / fundamentally / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + adverb + verb.

4

その批評家は、作品の形式的側面から、その社会的・政治的含意へと、批評的分析の重心を巧みに移動させた。

That / critic / work / formal aspects / from / its / social / political implications / to / critical analysis / center of gravity / skillfully / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + object + adverb + verb.

5

経済学におけるケインズ主義革命は、自由放任主義の市場観から、政府介入を重視するマクロ経済モデルへと、理論的基盤を大きく移動させた。

Economics / in / Keynesian revolution / laissez-faire / market view / from / government intervention / emphasize / macro-economic model / to / theoretical foundation / greatly / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + object + adverb + verb.

6

この文学運動は、個人の内面世界への没入から、社会構造と集団的経験の探求へと、表現の重点を移動させた。

This / literary movement / individual / inner world / immersion / from / social structure / collective experience / exploration / to / expression / emphasis / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + object + verb.

7

その歴史家は、単一の視点からの叙述から、多様な声と解釈を統合する多角的なアプローチへと、歴史記述の様式を移動させた。

That / historian / single / viewpoint / from / diverse / voices / interpretations / integrate / multi-faceted / approach / to / historical narrative / style / moved.

Subject + origin + destination + object + verb.

8

現代美術においては、伝統的な美的価値観から、概念的深化と社会批評へと、作品の意義の移動が見られる。

Contemporary art / in / traditional / aesthetic values / from / conceptual depth / social critique / to / artwork / meaning / movement / is seen.

Context + origin + destination + subject + noun.

Common Collocations

場所を移動する
データを移動する
席を移動する
内へ移動する
外へ移動する
速やかに移動する
ゆっくり移動する
移動手段
移動時間
移動制限
移動経路

Idioms & Expressions

"席を移動する"

To change one's seat.

満席だったので、空いている席へ<strong>移動しました</strong>。

neutral

"場所を移動する"

To move location; to change places.

もっと良い写真が撮れるように、<strong>場所を移動しましょう</strong>。

neutral

"移動手段を確保する"

To secure a means of transportation.

旅行のために、レンタカーを予約して<strong>移動手段を確保した</strong>。

neutral

"内へ移動する"

To move inside (e.g., indoors).

寒くなってきたから、早く家へ<strong>移動しよう</strong>。

casual

"外へ移動する"

To move outside.

気分転換に、公園へ<strong>移動した</strong>。

casual

"移動する権利"

The right to move (freedom of movement).

全ての人間には、自由に<strong>移動する権利</strong>がある。

formal

Easily Confused

移動する vs 移る (utsuru)

Both involve movement or change.

移る is often intransitive and implies a natural, involuntary, or gradual shift (e.g., disease spreading, mood changing, scene changing). 移動する is typically transitive or describes a deliberate action of changing location.

風邪が私に<strong>移った</strong>。(The cold spread to me.) vs. 私は部屋に<strong>移動した</strong>。(I moved to the room.)

移動する vs 動く (ugoku)

Both mean 'to move'.

動く is a general verb for motion (a clock moves, a machine works, a body part twitches). 移動する specifically implies changing position from one place to another.

時計が<strong>動かない</strong>。(The clock isn't moving.) vs. 彼は席を<strong>移動した</strong>。(He moved his seat.)

移動する vs 転居する (tenkyo suru)

Both relate to changing residence.

転居する specifically means 'to move house' or change residence. 移動する is a general term for moving and could be used in this context but is less specific.

来月、新しいアパートに<strong>転居します</strong>。(I will move house next month.)

移動する vs 移転する (iten suru)

Both involve relocation.

移転する is used specifically for the relocation of businesses, organizations, or facilities. 移動する is more general.

会社が新しいビルに<strong>移転した</strong>。(The company relocated to a new building.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + は/が + Destination + へ/に + 移動する

学生は図書館へ移動する。

B1

Subject + は/が + Object + を + 移動する

彼はファイルを新しいフォルダーに移動する。

B2

Subject + は/が + Location + を + 移動する

警官はパレードのルートを移動した。

A2

Subject + は/が + Destination + へ/に + 移動 + Verb (e.g., した, します)

私たちは次の会場へ移動しました。

B1

Subject + は/が + Destination + へ/に + 移動 + 中 (chū)

電車は次の駅へ移動中です。

Word Family

Nouns

移動 (idō) Movement, transfer, motion
移動手段 (idō shudan) Means of transportation
移動時間 (idō jikan) Travel time
移動制限 (idō seigen) Movement restriction

Verbs

移動させる (idō saseru) To make something move, to cause to move (causative)
移動できる (idō dekiru) Can move (potential)

Related

移る (utsuru) Intransitive counterpart, often for natural shifts
移す (utsusu) Transitive counterpart, to move something

How to Use It

Formality Scale

formal neutral casual

Common Mistakes

Using 移る (utsuru) when 移動する (idō suru) is needed. データを新しいコンピューターに<strong>移動する</strong>。
移る is often intransitive and implies a natural shift (like a disease spreading). データを新しいコンピューターに<strong>移る</strong> sounds unnatural as data doesn't 'shift' on its own in this context; it's actively moved.
Forgetting the particle indicating destination. 駅<strong>へ</strong>移動する。
Simply saying 「駅移動する」 is incomplete. You need a particle like へ (e) or に (ni) to show *where* you are moving.
Confusing 移動する (idō suru) with 転勤する (tenkin suru) or 転居する (tenkyo suru). 彼は来月、新しい街に<strong>転居する</strong>。
移動する is general movement. 転勤する is specifically moving to a different branch/office for work. 転居する is specifically moving house.
Using 動く (ugoku) for planned relocation. 私たちは来月、新しいオフィスへ<strong>移動します</strong>。
動く is more for general motion (e.g., 'the clock is moving'). For a planned relocation of a person or group, 移動する is more appropriate.
Overusing the causative form. 彼に荷物を運んでくれるように頼んだ。
While 移動させる (idō saseru) means 'to make something move', it can sound a bit forceful. Often, asking someone to carry something (運ぶ - hakobu) or simply stating the action is more natural. For example, instead of 'I made him move the luggage', it's more natural to say 'I asked him to carry the luggage'.

Tips

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Sound Association

Remember 'I DO' want to move! Link the sound 'idō' to the action of moving, perhaps imagining yourself saying 'I do!' as you pack your bags to relocate.

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Efficiency in Travel

Japanese culture often values efficiency. Understanding terms like 移動手段 (means of transport) and 移動時間 (travel time) is crucial for planning and discussing journeys.

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Destination Particles

Always remember to pair 移動する with a particle like へ (e) or に (ni) to indicate the destination, or を (o) if you're moving an object.

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Light 'R' Sound

Practice the 'ru' sound in する (suru). It's not a hard English 'r', but a quick flap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.

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Don't Confuse with 移る

Remember: 移動する is usually intentional action, while 移る is often natural or involuntary change. Avoid using 移る when you mean to actively move something.

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Character Power

Both characters 移 (i) and 動 (dō) mean 'to move'! This repetition emphasizes the core meaning of the word 移動する.

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Visualize Your Day

Mentally narrate your daily movements using 移動する. 'I woke up and moved to the kitchen.' (起きて、キッチンへ移動した). 'I moved my bag to the chair.' (カバンを椅子に移動した).

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Beyond Physical

While primarily physical, consider how 移動する can apply metaphorically, like 'moving a topic' in a discussion, though specific verbs might be better.

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Causative Form

Learn the causative 移動させる (idō saseru) - 'to make someone/something move'. It's useful for giving instructions or describing actions that cause movement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I DO' want to move! 'I DO' (移動) want to move to a new house.

Visual Association

Imagine an 'ID' card (sounds like 'idō') being moved from one desk to another.

Word Web

Movement Location Transfer Commute Transport Relocation Shift

Challenge

Describe your commute to work or school using 移動する.

Word Origin

Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)

Original meaning: 移 (i) = to shift, to move; 動 (dō) = to move, to act. Combined: 'to shift and act' -> movement.

Cultural Context

Generally not sensitive, but context matters. Discussing forced relocation or displacement might require more careful wording depending on the situation.

In English-speaking cultures, 'move' is a fundamental verb used constantly. The Japanese equivalent 移動する serves a similar, essential role in daily communication.

Often appears in transportation announcements (trains, buses), logistics discussions, and descriptions of journeys in literature and film.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Commuting/Travel

  • 駅まで移動する (eki made idō suru) - to move to the station
  • 移動手段は何ですか? (idō shudan wa nan desu ka?) - What is your means of transportation?
  • 移動時間が長い (idō jikan ga nagai) - The travel time is long

Office/Work

  • 席を移動する (seki o idō suru) - to change seats
  • 会議室へ移動する (kaigishitsu e idō suru) - to move to the conference room
  • データを移動する (dēta o idō suru) - to move data

Daily Life

  • 部屋へ移動する (heya e idō suru) - to move to the room
  • ゆっくり移動する (yukkuri idō suru) - to move slowly
  • 内へ移動する (uchi e idō suru) - to move inside

Logistics/Transportation

  • 荷物を移動する (nimotsu o idō suru) - to move luggage
  • 移動経路を確認する (idō keiro o kakunin suru) - to check the movement route
  • 移動制限がある (idō seigen ga aru) - there are movement restrictions

Conversation Starters

"今日のあなたの主な移動手段は何でしたか?"

"家からここまで来るのに、どれくらい移動時間がかかりましたか?"

"もし引越しするとしたら、どんな場所に移動したいですか?"

"最近、何か大きなものを移動させたことはありますか?"

"電車やバスで移動中、どんなことをするのが好きですか?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to move something heavy. Use 移動する.

Write about your ideal commute. Where would you move to and how?

Imagine you could instantly move anywhere in the world. Where would you go first and why?

Reflect on the concept of movement in your life. How often do you移動する, and what does it mean to you?

Frequently Asked Questions

8 questions

移動する specifically means to move from one place to another, implying a change in location. 動く is a more general term for 'to move' and can refer to any kind of motion, including involuntary movements or parts of a machine.

Both particles can indicate direction or destination. へ (e) often emphasizes the direction or the act of moving towards, while に (ni) can emphasize the final destination point. In many cases, they are interchangeable with 移動する.

Yes, it can be used for abstract concepts like moving data, funds, or even a topic of discussion, although other verbs might be more common for specific abstract movements.

The noun form is 移動 (idō), meaning 'movement' or 'transfer'.

No, it's a regular 'suru' verb, making its conjugations predictable and relatively easy to learn compared to irregular verbs.

While you *could* say 「家を移動しました」 (I moved the house), it's more natural to use the specific verb 転居する (tenkyo suru) for 'moving house'.

For a job transfer to a different branch or location, it's more specific to use 転勤する (tenkin suru). 移動する is more general movement.

Common phrases include 場所を移動する (move location), 席を移動する (change seat), 移動手段 (means of transportation), and 移動時間 (travel time).

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

猫は部屋の中を ______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 移動する

The sentence is about the cat moving around the room.

multiple choice A2

Which word means 'to move from one place to another'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 移動する (idō suru)

移動する specifically means to move location.

true false B1

移動する can be used to describe moving data on a computer.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

Yes, it's common to say 'データを移動する' (dēta o idō suru) for moving data.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are common phrases and related terms using 移動する.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence is '彼は新しいオフィスに移動した' (He moved to the new office).

fill blank A2

私たちは次の会議のために、別の部屋へ ______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 移動しました

The sentence indicates moving to another room for a meeting.

multiple choice B1

Which is the most appropriate verb for a company relocating its headquarters?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 移転する (iten suru)

移転する is specifically used for the relocation of businesses or organizations.

true false B2

The verb 移る (utsuru) can be used interchangeably with 移動する (idō suru) in all contexts.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

移る often implies a natural or involuntary shift, while 移動する implies a more deliberate action of moving.

fill blank B1

緊急時には、速やかに指定された避難場所へ ______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 移動してください

The context requires an instruction to move to a safe place.

sentence order C1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The sentence translates to 'Companies were forced to move production bases overseas to reduce supply chain risks.'

Score: /10

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