移動する

§ What does 移動する mean?

The Japanese verb 移動する (idou suru) is a really useful one for anyone learning Japanese. At its core, it means 'to move from one place to another'. Think of it as a general term for movement, rather than specifying how you move.

Meaning

To move, to transfer, to shift.

This verb is often used when discussing travel, changing locations, or even moving data or objects. It's a formal and polite way to express movement, making it suitable for a wide range of situations, from business to daily conversations.

§ When do people use 移動する?

You'll hear 移動する in many contexts. Here are some common scenarios:

• Changing residences or workplaces: If you're talking about moving house or changing offices, 移動する is appropriate.
• Travel and transportation: When you're moving between cities, countries, or even just different parts of a building, you can use this verb.
• Objects and data: It's not just for people! You can also use 移動する to describe moving items, files, or information.
• Figurative movement: Sometimes it can even be used in a more abstract sense, like moving on to the next topic in a discussion.

Let's look at some examples to make this clearer.

Hint

Next week, I will move to the new office.

Hint

Move the data to another folder.

Notice how the particle に (ni) is often used with 移動する to indicate the destination of the movement. For example, 'どこに移動しますか？' (Doko ni idou shimasu ka?) means 'Where are you moving to?'

The 'する' part of '移動する' is important. It means it's a 'suru' verb, which are very common in Japanese. This means it can be used on its own, or sometimes you'll see just '移動' as a noun meaning 'movement' or 'transfer'.

Hint

He is considering a move/transfer from Tokyo to Osaka.

As you can see, understanding 移動する is key to describing many everyday actions. It's a fundamental word at the A2 level, and mastering its usage will significantly boost your ability to express yourself in Japanese.

§ How to use Ī動する in a Sentence

Ī動する (idō suru) is a very common and useful verb. It means 'to move' in the sense of changing location. Think of it like this: if you're going from one place to another, you are Ī動する.

Because it's a 'suru' verb, it's super flexible. You can use it as a standalone verb, or you can use Ī動 (idō) as a noun. Let's break down how to use it.

The Basic Form: Ī動する

This is the dictionary form. You'll conjugate する (suru) like any other verb. For example, Ī動します (idō shimasu) for polite present tense, Ī動しました (idō shimashita) for polite past tense, and so on.

§ Using Particles with Ī動する

Particles are key to using Japanese verbs correctly. Here are the most common ones you'll see with Ī動する:

• へ (e) or に (ni): These particles indicate the destination of the movement. Both are generally interchangeable when expressing direction, but に (ni) can also indicate a specific point or time.

• から (kara): This particle indicates the starting point of the movement, meaning 'from'.

• を (o): This particle is used when the direct object of the verb is being moved.

§ Ī動 as a Noun

You can also use Ī動 (idō) as a noun meaning 'movement' or 'transfer'.

Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll get the hang of Ī動する in no time!

§ What "移動する" means

Japanese Word

移動する (idou suru)

Type

Verb

CEFR Level

A2

Definition

To move from one place to another.

§ Where you actually hear this word

You'll hear 「移動する」 (idou suru) a lot in daily Japanese. It's a common and practical verb. It means to move, transfer, or shift from one place to another. Unlike simply walking or running, 「移動する」 often implies a change in location with a purpose, or a general sense of displacement. Think of it as 'making a move' from A to B, often covering a noticeable distance, whether it's within a building or across a city.

Let's look at some common situations where you'll encounter 「移動する」.

At Work

In a professional setting, 「移動する」 is used when talking about changing desks, moving to a different meeting room, or even relocating to another branch office.

At School

Students and teachers use 「移動する」 when going to different classrooms, labs, or even between school buildings.

In the News and Public Announcements

News reports often use 「移動する」 when reporting on people, vehicles, or even natural phenomena changing locations.

General Usage

You'll also hear it in everyday conversations when discussing travel, changing seats, or even moving furniture.

§ Mistake 1: Confusing with 動く (ugoku)

Many learners mix up 移動する (idou suru) and 動く (ugoku). While both involve 'moving,' they have different nuances. 移動する specifically means to 'move from one place to another,' implying a change in location. Think of a person moving houses or a company relocating its office. It's about displacement.

On the other hand, 動く means to 'move' in a more general sense, referring to something being in motion or functioning. A clock's hands 動く, a machine 動く, or an arm 動く. It doesn't necessarily imply a change in overall position.

DEFINITION

移動する (idou suru): To move from one place to another (change in location).

DEFINITION

動く (ugoku): To move, to be in motion, to function (general movement).

§ Mistake 2: Incorrect particle usage

When using 移動する, the particle you choose is crucial for conveying the correct meaning. The most common particles used are を (o) for the object being moved, and に (ni) or へ (e) for the destination.

Sometimes, learners mistakenly use を with the destination, or omit particles altogether. This makes the sentence unnatural or grammatically incorrect. Remember that 移動する is often used with a direct object that is being moved (marked by を) or a destination (marked by に/へ).

In this example, 荷物 (nimotsu, luggage) is the direct object being moved, so it takes を. 別の部屋 (betsu no heya, another room) is the destination, taking に.

If the subject itself is moving, you'll often see the destination marked by に or へ, and the subject is marked by が (ga) or は (wa).

§ Mistake 3: Overusing it for simple movement

While 移動する means 'to move,' it often implies a more deliberate or significant change of location than a simple step or walk. For everyday, less formal movement, other verbs might be more natural.

• 歩く (aruku): To walk
• 走る (hashiru): To run
• 行く (iku): To go
• 来る (kuru): To come

Using 移動する when 歩く or 行く would suffice can sound overly formal or even a bit robotic. For example, if you're just moving from one chair to another in the same room, you'd likely use 動く (in the sense of shifting position) or just 行く, rather than 移動する.

While this is grammatically correct, if it's a short, simple shift, 席を移る (seki o utsuru, to change seats) or even simply 隣の席に行く (tonari no seki ni iku, to go to the next seat) might sound more natural depending on the context.

§ Mistake 4: Not understanding its formal nuance

移動する often carries a slightly more formal or technical tone. It's frequently used in business contexts, official announcements, or when discussing logistics. In very casual conversation among friends, you might hear other verbs more frequently.

For instance, a company announcing a department relocation would use 移動する. A train station announcing a platform change would also use it. However, if you're just telling a friend you're going to a different cafe, you'd probably just say 別のカフェに行く (betsu no kafe ni iku).

This sentence is perfectly natural in a workplace setting. If you were with a close friend, you might say 会議室に行こう (kaigishitsu ni ikou, Let's go to the meeting room).

Let's learn about 移動する (idou suru), a versatile Japanese verb meaning 'to move.' This isn't just about physical movement; it can also describe things like data transfer or a change in status. We'll explore its nuances and compare it to similar words so you know exactly when to use it.

§ Basic Meaning of 移動する

Definition

To move from one place to another. This can be people, objects, or even abstract concepts like data.

移動する is a 'suru' verb, which means it combines the noun 移動 (idou - movement/transfer) with する (suru - to do) to form a verb. It's often used when there's a clear origin and destination for the movement.

Kare wa Toukyou kara Oosaka e idou suru yotei desu.
He is scheduled to move from Tokyo to Osaka.

Deeta o atarashii saabaa ni idou suru hitsuyou ga arimasu.
We need to move the data to the new server.

§ Similar Words and When to Use Them

Japanese has several words that can be translated as 'to move.' Understanding the subtle differences will help you choose the right one.

• 動く (ugoku): To move, to operate, to work. This verb focuses on the act of moving itself, or something being in motion. It doesn't necessarily imply a change of location, but rather a state of not being still. It can also describe machinery working.

When to use 動く

When something is simply in motion, or a machine is functioning. Less focus on changing location.

Ano ningyou wa hitori de ugoku koto ga dekimasu.
That doll can move by itself.

Tokei ga ugoite imasen.
The clock isn't working/moving.

• 移す (utsusu): To move (something), to transfer, to shift. This is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You 'move something.' It implies a deliberate action of changing the location of an object.

When to use 移す

When you are actively moving an object from one place to another. Often used for physical items.

Tsukue o madogiwa ni utsushimashita.
I moved the desk to the window side.

• 引っ越す (hikkosu): To move house, to change residence. This verb is specifically for changing your place of living.

When to use 引っ越す

Only when talking about moving residences.

Raigetsu, atarashii apaato ni hikkoshimasu.
Next month, I will move to a new apartment.

• 移動する (idou suru) vs. 移る (utsuru): These are quite close. 移る (utsuru) is an intransitive verb meaning 'to move, to shift, to transfer.' It's often used when something moves by itself or when the focus isn't on who moved it. 移動する has a slightly more formal feel and can be used for a broader range of movements, including planned or organized movements by people or things, and also for abstract concepts.

When to use 移動する

For general movement from one point to another, often with a sense of purpose or planning. Can be for people, objects, or abstract concepts like data or a base of operations.

When to use 移る

When something moves on its own, or the agent of the movement is not emphasized. Can also be for changing locations, but feels less formal than 移動する.

Kare no seki wa madogiwa ni utsutta.
His seat moved to the window side (implying it was changed, not necessarily by him).

In summary, while all these words relate to 'moving,' 移動する is your go-to for general, purposeful movement from one location to another, including abstract things like data. 動く is for something being in motion, 移す is for moving an object, and 引っ越す is specifically for moving house.