Translation guide
The English word "movement" covers physical motion, organized groups, changes in position or trend, and even musical sections. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Describing the act of moving or motion in general.
The most common word for physical movement, motion, or activity. Can refer to movement of objects, people, or even abstract trends.
彼の動きが止まった。
His movement stopped.
機械の動きがスムーズだ。
The machine's movement is smooth.
Refers to a specific physical action or operation, often used in technical or formal contexts.
ロボットの動作をプログラムする。
Program the robot's movements.
Often means physical exercise or sports, but can also refer to motion in a scientific sense.
毎日運動していますか？
Do you exercise every day?
物体の運動を観察する。
Observe the movement of objects.
Referring to a social, political, or artistic movement.
The standard word for a social or political movement, campaign, or drive.
環境保護運動に参加する。
Join the environmental movement.
公民権運動は歴史を変えた。
The civil rights movement changed history.
Describing a shift, fluctuation, or trend in data, prices, or situations.
Works for trends, market movements, or changes in a situation.
株価の動きに注目している。
I'm watching the movement of stock prices.
Specifically means fluctuation or change, often used for prices, numbers, or conditions.
Refers to transition or changes over time, often used in formal reports.
Referring to a part of a longer musical composition.
The standard term for a movement in classical music.
この交響曲は4楽章からなる。
This symphony consists of four movements.
Euphemism for defecation.
動き (ugoki) is the most general word for movement/motion. 運動 (undou) leans toward exercise or organized campaigns. 動作 (dousa) is for specific, often mechanical or programmed actions.
運動 primarily means exercise or a social movement. Using it for simple physical motion (like moving your hand) sounds unnatural. Use 動き instead.
惑星の動き。
The movement of the planets.
彼女はフェミニスト運動の一員だ。
She's part of the feminist movement.
世論に動きがあった。
There's been a movement in public opinion.
Loanword from English, often used for artistic, cultural, or trendy movements. Sounds modern.
このアートムーブメントは90年代に始まった。
This art movement started in the 90s.
為替の変動が激しい。
Currency movements are volatile.
Show the population movement on a graph.
Sometimes used in modern or casual contexts, but 楽章 is preferred for classical.
第2ムーブメントが好きです。
I like the second movement.
Have you had a bowel movement?