Translation guide
Expresses being emotionally touched, physically relocated, or prompted to action. The most common meaning for learners is emotional movement (being deeply touched or impressed).
その映画に感動した。
I was moved by the movie.
To feel strong emotion, especially being deeply touched, impressed, or inspired by something.
The most common and versatile way to say 'be moved' in the emotional sense. Used for being deeply impressed by art, stories, kindness, etc.
その映画に感動した。
I was moved by that movie.
His speech moved the audience.
Literally 'one's heart is struck'. Emphasizes a sudden, powerful emotional impact. Slightly more literary or heartfelt.
彼女の優しさに心を打たれた。
I was moved by her kindness.
Literally 'one's chest becomes warm'. Describes a swelling of emotion, often from touching or heartwarming situations.
卒業式で胸が熱くなった。
I was moved at the graduation ceremony.
Formal/literary. To be deeply impressed and have a lasting impression. Often used in speeches or writing.
彼の言葉に深い感銘を受けた。
I was deeply moved by his words.
To change position or location, either by oneself or by an external force.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to move' (oneself or something). For 'be moved' in passive sense, use the passive form 動かされる.
その箱は簡単に動いた。
The box moved easily.
机が動かされた。
The desk was moved.
More formal or technical. Used for relocation, transfer, or migration of people, objects, or data.
会議室に移動してください。
Please move to the conference room.
データが新しいサーバーに移動された。
The data was moved to a new server.
Intransitive, often for moving house, changing location, or transferring (e.g., fire, interest).
To be compelled or motivated to take action, often by emotion or external influence.
Passive of 動かす (to move something). Means 'to be moved by (emotion, desire, etc.) to do something'. Often used with abstract forces.
彼は好奇心に動かされて、その箱を開けた。
Moved by curiosity, he opened the box.
彼女は正義感に動かされて行動した。
She acted, moved by a sense of justice.
To be driven or spurred on by a strong internal force. Often used in the passive form 駆り立てられる.
The verb 動く (ugoku) means physical movement. Using it for emotional 'being moved' will sound unnatural. Use 感動する or similar expressions instead.
I will move to Osaka next month.
彼は野心に駆り立てられていた。
He was moved by ambition.