Translation guide
The English word 'shift' covers many meanings: moving something, changing something, a work period, a gear in a vehicle, and more. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners.
To move something from one place to another, often slightly or temporarily.
General verb for moving something. Can be used for shifting objects.
机を少し右に動かしてください。
Please shift the desk a little to the right.
To move or transfer something to a different location. Often implies relocation.
荷物を隣の部屋に移した。
I shifted the luggage to the next room.
To shift something slightly, often by sliding or adjusting position.
予定を一時間ずらしてもいいですか。
Can we shift the schedule by one hour?
To change from one state, opinion, or thing to another.
General verb for changing something. Works for shifting focus, attitude, etc.
話題を変えましょう。
Let's shift the topic.
To switch over, especially between modes, tasks, or mindsets.
Formal term for conversion or shift, often used in policy or direction.
政策を大きく転換する必要がある。
We need to shift our policy significantly.
A period of work time, often in a rotating schedule.
Common loanword for work shift. Used in part-time jobs and shift work.
今日は夜のシフトです。
I have the night shift today.
Formal term for duty or work shift. Often used in official contexts.
Shift system or rotation system. Refers to the system itself.
The mechanism for changing gears in a car or bicycle.
The key on a keyboard used to type capital letters or symbols.
Shift key. Standard term in computing.
シフトキーを押しながらクリックしてください。
Click while holding down the shift key.
A subtle change in nuance, focus, or interpretation.
Change or shift. General noun for alteration.
意味の変化に注意してください。
Pay attention to the shift in meaning.
Transition or shift, often gradual or systematic.
The loanword シフト is mainly used for work shifts and the shift key. For moving or changing things, use native Japanese verbs like 動かす or 変える.
仕事モードに頭を切り替える。
Shift my mind into work mode.
He is on the night shift.
This factory operates on a 24-hour shift system.
Operate the gear shift.
The shift to digital is progressing.