動かす

• Reading: うごかす
• Romaji: ugokasu
• Kanji breakdown: 動 (dou/ugo) — move, motion
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɡo.ka.sɯ/

Meaning

To move; to shift. To cause something to change position or to operate machinery.

A Group 1 (godan) verb and the transitive pair of 動く (ugoku, to move — intransitive). Conjugates as 動かさ/動かし/動かす/動かせ/動かそう. Used for physically moving objects, operating machines, and figuratively for moving people's hearts (心を動かす). Also means to manage or run an organization.

Examples

1. 重い箱を二人で動かした。 The two of us moved the heavy box together.
2. 彼のスピーチは聴衆の心を動かした。 His speech moved the hearts of the audience.
3. このボタンを押すと機械が動かせる。 You can operate the machine by pressing this button.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, machinery, persuasion

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The causative/transitive form of 動く (to move). The kanji 動 combines 重 (heavy) and 力 (power), depicting the force needed to move something heavy.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal