Translation guide
The English word "moving" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: changing residence, causing emotion, being in motion, and making a motion/proposal.
To relocate from one home to another.
The most common noun for moving house. The verb is 引っ越す.
来月、引っ越しをする予定です。
I'm planning to move next month.
引っ越しの準備で忙しい。
I'm busy preparing for the move.
A more formal term for moving, often used in official contexts or written notifications.
転居のお知らせを送りました。
I sent a change of address notice.
Used for moving an office, shop, or organization, not a personal residence.
本社を東京に移転する。
The headquarters will relocate to Tokyo.
Eliciting strong feelings, especially sadness or sympathy.
Describes something that is emotionally touching or moving. Often used for stories, movies, or speeches.
その映画はとても感動的だった。
That movie was very moving.
Literally 'strikes the heart', meaning deeply moving or touching.
Describes a feeling of being emotionally moved, often with warmth or tears.
卒業式で胸が熱くなった。
I was moved at the graduation ceremony.
An onomatopoeic expression for being deeply moved, often to the point of tears.
あの話にはジーンときた。
That story really got to me.
Changing position or not stationary.
The most direct translation for 'moving' as in 'in motion'. The verb is 動く.
車がゆっくり動いている。
The car is moving slowly.
動いている標的を狙うのは難しい。
It's hard to aim at a moving target.
Means 'in transit' or 'on the move', often used for people or vehicles.
彼は今、移動中です。
He is currently on the move.
Formally proposing an action in a meeting.
The standard phrase for 'to make a motion' in a formal meeting.
彼は会議で動議を提出した。
He made a motion at the meeting.
A general verb for proposing or suggesting, less formal than 動議.
新しい計画を提案した。
I proposed a new plan.
While 動く means 'to move' in the sense of physical motion, it cannot be used for moving house. Use 引っ越す for changing residence.
来週、引っ越します。
I'm moving next week.
机を動かしてください。
Please move the desk.
His speech was truly moving.