動く

• Reading: うごく
• Romaji: ugoku
• Kanji breakdown: 動 (dou/ugo) — move, motion, activity
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɡo.kɯ/

Meaning

To move; to operate; to function. Describes physical movement or something working and running.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb. The transitive pair is 動かす (ugokasu, to move something). Has both physical and mechanical meanings — people and animals moving, machines running, hearts being moved emotionally. Very versatile and essential in daily conversation.

Examples

1. 地震で建物が大きく動いた。 The building shook significantly during the earthquake.
2. このエレベーターは今動いていません。 This elevator isn't running right now.
3. 動かないでください、写真を撮ります。 Please don't move — I'm taking a picture.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, machines, instructions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 動 combines 重 (heavy) with 力 (power). Depicts the force needed to move something heavy — power overcoming weight.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal