を (o). Imagine you are cleaning your room and you move a book from the bed to the desk. That is utsusu. It is a 'doing' word. You can also think of it like 'putting' something in a new place. Even though it is a B1 word, the basic physical meaning is very easy to understand. Just remember: 'I move [thing] to [place].' Watashi wa hon o tsukue ni utsusu.
移す in 30 Seconds
- Transitive verb for moving/shifting objects.
- Used for physical, digital, and abstract transfers.
- Common in the phrase 'jikko ni utsusu' (put into action).
- Means 'to infect' in medical contexts.
The Japanese verb 移す (utsusu) is a fundamental transitive verb (他動詞) that primarily signifies the act of moving something from one location, state, or focus to another. At its core, it involves an agent intentionally causing a change in position or status. Unlike its intransitive counterpart 移る (utsuru), which describes something moving on its own, 移す requires a subject who performs the action upon an object. This distinction is crucial for learners to master, as it dictates the use of the particle を (o). The word is versatile, spanning physical, temporal, and abstract domains.
- Physical Relocation
- Moving a physical object, like a chair to another room or a plant to a sunnier spot. It implies a deliberate shift in spatial coordinates.
- Abstract Transfer
- Shifting focus, attention, or interest. For example, moving the conversation to a new topic or transferring one's gaze from a book to the window.
- Execution of Action
- The common phrase 実行に移す (jikko ni utsusu) means to put a plan or thought into actual practice or action.
「机を窓のそばに移した。」 (I moved the desk to the side of the window.)
Beyond simple movement, 移す carries a nuance of 'transferring' properties. In a medical context, it is used when someone 'passes on' or 'infects' another person with a disease, such as a cold. This is seen as a transitive action where the carrier 'moves' the virus to the recipient. Furthermore, in the digital age, it is the standard term for transferring files from a computer to a USB drive or moving data between folders. The breadth of this verb makes it indispensable for B1-level communication and beyond.
「計画をすぐに実行に移すべきだ。」 (We should put the plan into action immediately.)
- Infection Nuance
- When you give someone a cold, you use 移す. When you catch it, you use 移される (passive) or say the cold 移った (intransitive).
- Visual Focus
- 目を移す (me o utsusu) is a literary and common way to describe shifting one's eyes to look at something else.
Culturally, the verb reflects the Japanese emphasis on the flow of things. Whether it is the shifting of seasons or the transfer of power, 移す captures the dynamic nature of change facilitated by an external force or decision. It is a 'bridge' verb—it connects the 'before' state to the 'after' state through a specific action.
Using 移す (utsusu) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure as a transitive Godan verb. The basic sentence pattern is [Subject] が [Object] を [Destination] に 移す. The destination is almost always marked with the particle に (ni), indicating the target of the movement. Because it is a Godan verb ending in 'su', its conjugation follows the standard pattern: utsusanai, utsushimasu, utsusu, utsusu-toki, utsuseba, utsuse, utsusou.
- Step 1: Identify the Object
- What is being moved? Is it a physical object (like a chair), an abstract concept (like attention), or a biological agent (like a virus)?
- Step 2: Define the Destination
- Where is it going? Use 'ni' for the new location or the new state (e.g., 'jikko ni' for putting into action).
「古い写真をアルバムに移しました。」 (I moved the old photos into an album.)
In formal settings, 移す is often used in business contexts to discuss transferring personnel or shifting resources. For example, 「拠点を海外に移す」 (Kyoten o kaigai ni utsusu) means 'to move the base of operations overseas.' In these cases, the verb implies a strategic or significant relocation rather than a casual movement. When dealing with infections, be careful with the social nuance; saying you 'moved' a cold to someone implies a level of responsibility or causality that might require an apology in Japanese culture.
「彼は視線を地図から時計に移した。」 (He shifted his gaze from the map to the watch.)
For B1 learners, mastering the causative and passive forms is also beneficial. 移させる (utsusaseru) means 'to make someone move something,' and 移される (utsusareru) is often used when you are 'given' a cold by someone else (the 'suffering' passive). Practice these variations to handle more complex social interactions where the direction of the action is not just a simple 'A moves B'.
You will encounter 移す (utsusu) in a wide variety of daily and professional scenarios. Its frequency is high because it covers both mundane tasks and significant life events. In a household setting, you might hear it during cleaning or rearranging furniture. In an office, it’s common when discussing data management or organizational changes. In the news, it frequently appears in reports about businesses moving headquarters or diseases spreading through populations.
- In the Kitchen
- 「料理を皿に移してください。」 (Please transfer the food to the plate.) This is a very common instruction in cooking videos or at home.
- In the Office
- 「ファイルを共有フォルダに移しました。」 (I moved the files to the shared folder.) Essential for digital collaboration.
- At the Doctor's
- 「他の人に風邪を移さないように気をつけて。」 (Be careful not to pass your cold to others.) A standard piece of medical advice.
「彼は言葉をすぐに行動に移すタイプだ。」 (He is the type who immediately puts words into action.)
In literature and media, 移す is used to describe the passage of time or the shifting of scenes. An author might write about the moon 'moving' its reflection across a lake, or a director might 'move' the camera's focus to a different character. In sports, a commentator might say a player 'moved' the ball to a better position. The versatility of the word means that once you start listening for it, you will hear it everywhere from anime dialogue to formal NHK news broadcasts.
「本社を東京から大阪に移す計画がある。」 (There is a plan to move the headquarters from Tokyo to Osaka.)
Finally, in social contexts, 移す can describe the transfer of a mood. If someone is very happy, their energy might 移す (infect/transfer) to the rest of the group. While 移る is more common for the 'catching' of a mood, 移す emphasizes the person who is actively spreading that vibe. This level of nuance helps you understand the social dynamics being described in Japanese conversations.
The most frequent error learners make with 移す (utsusu) is confusing it with its intransitive pair, 移る (utsuru). This is a classic 'transitive vs. intransitive' (自他動詞) trap. Remember: utsusu is something YOU do to an object, while utsuru is something that happens to the subject itself. Using the wrong one often results in nonsensical sentences like 'The chair moved itself' when you meant 'I moved the chair.'
- Mistake 1: Particle Confusion
- Incorrect: 「椅子が隣の部屋に移した。」 (The chair moved to the next room - implies the chair did the moving). Correct: 「椅子を隣の部屋に移した。」 (I moved the chair to the next room).
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Ugokasu'
- Learners often use ugokasu (to move/operate) when they should use utsusu (to relocate). If you are moving a file to a folder, utsusu is better because the location changes. If you are just moving a mouse on a desk, ugokasu is correct.
❌ 「風邪が移した。」 (The cold moved/passed - grammatically incomplete).
✅ 「風邪を移した。」 (I passed the cold to someone else.)
Another common mistake involves the abstract usage of 'putting into action.' Learners sometimes try to translate 'put into action' literally using ireru (to put in), but the correct idiomatic expression is always 実行に移す (jikko ni utsusu). Using the wrong verb here makes the speaker sound unnatural. Similarly, when shifting focus, 目を移す or 関心を移す are set phrases; using kaeru (to change) is possible but often less precise.
❌ 「注意を動かす。」 (Move attention - unnatural).
✅ 「注意を移す。」 (Shift attention - natural.)
Finally, pay attention to the kanji. While utsusu is usually written as 移す, there are other verbs pronounced 'utsusu' with different kanji, such as 映す (to reflect/project) and 写す (to copy/photograph). Using the wrong kanji in writing is a very common mistake for both learners and sometimes even native speakers in a hurry. Always double-check that you are using the 'relocation' kanji (移) for shifting things.
Understanding the synonyms and related words for 移す (utsusu) helps in choosing the most precise term for a given context. While utsusu is a general-purpose word for 'moving' or 'shifting,' other verbs offer more specific nuances regarding the method or the nature of the movement.
- 動かす (Ugokasu)
- Focuses on the physical act of setting something in motion or changing its position. It doesn't necessarily imply a change in 'category' or 'location' as strongly as utsusu does. Example: moving your legs or operating a machine.
- 運ぶ (Hakobu)
- Specifically means 'to carry' or 'to transport.' It implies the physical effort of moving something from point A to point B, often over a distance. Utsusu is more about the result of the relocation.
- 転換する (Tenkan suru)
- A more formal/academic word for 'to switch' or 'to convert.' Used for shifting policies, mindsets, or directions (like a 'U-turn').
「荷物をトラックで運ぶ。」 (To transport luggage by truck.) vs 「荷物を新しい家に移す。」 (To move luggage/belongings to a new house.)
When it comes to abstract shifts, 切り替える (kirikaeru) is a strong competitor. It means 'to switch over' or 'to toggle,' often used for changing one's mood or switching a setting on a device. While utsusu describes the gradual or deliberate shift of focus, kirikaeru implies a more distinct, binary change. For example, 'switching' from work mode to private mode is usually kimochi o kirikaeru.
「話題を変える。」 (To change the topic.) vs 「話題を次に移す。」 (To move the topic to the next one.)
In professional contexts, 配属する (haizoku suru) or 転勤させる (tenkin saseru) are used for moving personnel. Utsusu is the colloquial way to say someone was moved to a different department, but the formal terms are preferred in official documents. Understanding these overlaps ensures that your Japanese sounds appropriate for the situation.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs Intransitive pairs
Directional particles (ni, e)
Compound verbs with -utsusu
Causative-Passive for illness
Examples by Level
椅子を窓のそばに移しました。
I moved the chair to the side of the window.
Uses 'o' for the object and 'ni' for the destination.
本をカバンに移してください。
Please move the book into the bag.
Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.
花瓶をテーブルに移す。
I will move the vase to the table.
Dictionary form used for future intent.
コップをキッチンに移した。
I moved the cup to the kitchen.
Past tense 'shita'.
おもちゃを箱に移しましょう。
Let's move the toys into the box.
Mashou form for 'let's'.
ペンを筆箱に移す。
I move the pen to the pencil case.
Simple transitive structure.
写真を机に移した。
I moved the photo to the desk.
Direct object 'shashin o'.
水を別のグラスに移す。
I move the water to another glass.
Shows 'utsusu' as 'transferring' a liquid.
スマホの写真をパソコンに移した。
I moved the photos from my smartphone to my computer.
Digital transfer context.
弟に風邪を移してしまった。
I accidentally gave my cold to my younger brother.
Te-shimatta indicates regret.
データをUSBに移してください。
Please move the data to the USB drive.
Common office instruction.
金魚を新しい水槽に移した。
I moved the goldfish to a new tank.
Living thing as object.
会議の場所を会議室Bに移します。
We will move the meeting location to Meeting Room B.
Moving an abstract event/location.
荷物を車に移しましょうか？
Shall I move the luggage to the car?
Mashou ka for offering help.
アプリをSDカードに移す。
Move the app to the SD card.
Technical usage.
塩を小さいビンに移した。
I transferred the salt to a small bottle.
Daily chore context.
考えをすぐに実行に移すべきだ。
You should put your thoughts into action immediately.
Jikko ni utsusu is a key B1 idiom.
彼は視線を窓の外に移した。
He shifted his gaze to outside the window.
Abstract movement of focus.
話題を次の議題に移しましょう。
Let's move the topic to the next agenda item.
Formal transition in conversation.
拠点を東京から地方に移す企業が増えている。
More companies are moving their bases from Tokyo to the countryside.
Business/Societal context.
注意を仕事から趣味に移す。
Shift one's attention from work to hobbies.
Mental shift.
この病気は動物から人間に移ることがある。
This disease can be transferred from animals to humans.
Scientific/Medical context.
彼は怒りを力に移して頑張った。
He turned his anger into strength and worked hard.
Metaphorical transfer of emotion.
計画を段階的に実行に移す。
Put the plan into action step by step.
Adverbial phrase 'dankaiteki ni'.
生産拠点を海外に移すことを検討している。
We are considering moving our production base overseas.
Formal business planning.
彼は自分の財産を息子に移した。
He transferred his assets to his son.
Legal/Financial transfer.
その作家は舞台を現代から江戸時代に移した。
The author moved the setting from the modern era to the Edo period.
Literary/Creative context.
国民の関心を経済問題に移す必要がある。
It is necessary to shift the public's interest to economic issues.
Political discourse.
彼は全責任を部下に移そうとした。
He tried to shift all responsibility onto his subordinates.
Social/Workplace dynamics.
技術を次の世代に正しく移していく。
We will correctly pass on/transfer the technology to the next generation.
Inheritance of skills.
その政党は活動の中心を地方に移した。
The political party moved the center of its activities to the provinces.
Organizational strategy.
感情を言葉に移すのは難しい。
It is difficult to put emotions into words.
Philosophical/Expressive context.
権限を委譲し、決定権を現場に移すべきだ。
We should delegate authority and move the decision-making power to the field.
Management theory.
物語の焦点を主人公の心理状態に移す。
Shift the story's focus to the protagonist's psychological state.
Narrative technique.
投資の比重を国内から新興国市場に移す。
Shift the weight of investment from domestic to emerging markets.
Economic analysis.
彼は長年の研究成果を論文に移し始めた。
He began to translate his years of research results into a thesis.
Conversion of data to text.
社会の価値観を所有から共有へと移す。
Shift societal values from ownership to sharing.
Sociological trend.
伝統的な美意識を現代のデザインに移し替える。
Transplant traditional aesthetics into modern design.
Utsushi-kaeru (transplant/re-apply).
彼は自らの魂を作品に移し込んだ。
He poured/transferred his very soul into his work.
Utsushi-komu (to pour into).
議論の力点をコストから質へと移す。
Shift the emphasis of the discussion from cost to quality.
Rhetorical strategy.
法治国家としての根幹を揺るがす事態に、国民の目は厳しい監視へと移った。
In a situation that shook the very foundations of the rule of law, the public's eyes shifted toward strict surveillance.
Complex socio-political narrative.
資本の論理を最優先する姿勢から、持続可能性へと舵を移す。
Shift the helm from a stance that prioritizes capital logic to one of sustainability.
Metaphorical 'kaji o utsusu' (shift the helm).
言語の壁を越え、概念を他言語に正確に移す作業は困難を極める。
The task of crossing language barriers and accurately transferring concepts into another language is extremely difficult.
Translation theory.
権力の座を平和的に移すことは、民主主義の試金石である。
The peaceful transfer of power is the touchstone of democracy.
Political science.
彼は自己のアイデンティティを、血縁から志を共にする集団へと移した。
He shifted his identity from blood relations to a group sharing the same aspirations.
Psychological/Sociological evolution.
都市機能を分散させ、リスクを地方に移す政策が急務だ。
Policies to decentralize urban functions and shift risks to the provinces are an urgent matter.
Public policy/Risk management.
既存の枠組みを解体し、新たなパラダイムへと認識を移す。
Deconstruct existing frameworks and shift perception to a new paradigm.
Philosophical shift.
情報の非対称性を解消し、主導権を消費者に移す。
Resolve information asymmetry and shift the initiative to the consumer.
Market dynamics.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
Word Family
Related
How to Use It
Standard for 'Move' (vs Copy/Copying).
Utsusu is used for 'giving' the cold. Utsuru is for 'catching' it.
- Using 'ga' instead of 'o' for the object.
- Confusing 移す with 移る in sickness contexts.
- Using 映す (reflect) when moving a physical object.
- Using 'utsusu' for moving one's own body.
- Forgetting the 'ni' particle for the destination.
Tips
Particle Pair
Always pair 'o' with 'utsusu' to show you are moving something else.
Set Phrase
Memorize 'jikko ni utsusu' as a single unit meaning 'to act'.
Infection Etiquette
Avoid saying 'I moved my cold to you' unless you are apologizing.
Kanji Choice
Don't use 映 or 写 when you mean relocating something.
Context Clues
If you hear 'ni utsusu', look for the destination mentioned before 'ni'.
Natural Flow
Use 'utsusu' to smoothly transition between topics in a speech.
Intentionality
Utsusu implies a conscious decision to move something.
File Management
In Japanese software, 'Move' is often translated as 'Idou' but 'utsusu' is used in speech.
Disease Spread
Utsusu is the standard verb for 'spreading' a virus to others.
Eye Movement
Use 'me o utsusu' for shifting gaze in descriptive writing.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are 'UTSU' (hitting) a 'SU' (suitcase) to 'move' it to a new room.
Word Origin
Cultural Context
Moving (utsusu) plants or decor to match the season is a common practice.
The transitive 'utsusu' for illness implies a lack of care, hence the common use of masks.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"最近、部屋の模様替えで家具を移しましたか？"
"新しいプロジェクトをいつ実行に移しますか？"
"スマホの写真をどこに移して保存していますか？"
"話題を次のニュースに移してもいいですか？"
"風邪を誰かに移してしまったことはありますか？"
Journal Prompts
今日、自分の注意を何から何に移しましたか？
将来、自分の拠点をどこに移したいですか？
最近実行に移した計画について書いてください。
大切にしているものをどこに移して保管していますか？
他人の良い習慣を自分に移したいと思いますか？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'utsusu' is transitive. Use 'utsuru' or 'idou suru' for moving yourself.
Yes, but 'hikkoshi o suru' is more common for the whole process. 'Juukyo o utsusu' is formal.
Use 'kaze o utsurasareta' (passive) or 'kaze ga utsutta' (intransitive).
Utsusu focuses on changing the location or category. Ugokasu focuses on the physical motion.
In a very abstract sense of 'transferring concepts', but 'honyaku suru' is the correct word.
Yes, for transferring funds between accounts (kouza o utsusu).
Yes, 'wadai o utsusu' is perfect for shifting the conversation.
It means to take a plan from the 'thinking' stage to the 'doing' stage.
It is neutral. It can be used in both casual and formal speech depending on the conjugation.
Use 移す for moving/shifting.
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Summary
移す (utsusu) is the active, intentional 'move'. Use it when YOU are the one changing the location of an object, the focus of a conversation, or the status of a plan. It is the bridge between thought and action.
- Transitive verb for moving/shifting objects.
- Used for physical, digital, and abstract transfers.
- Common in the phrase 'jikko ni utsusu' (put into action).
- Means 'to infect' in medical contexts.
Particle Pair
Always pair 'o' with 'utsusu' to show you are moving something else.
Set Phrase
Memorize 'jikko ni utsusu' as a single unit meaning 'to act'.
Infection Etiquette
Avoid saying 'I moved my cold to you' unless you are apologizing.
Kanji Choice
Don't use 映 or 写 when you mean relocating something.
Example
そのファイルを別のフォルダに移してください。
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
