Translation guide
How to express 'make a move' in Japanese depends on whether you mean taking action, making a romantic advance, moving physically, or making a move in a game. This guide covers natural Japanese for each situation.
To begin acting, especially after hesitation or planning.
A common, neutral way to say 'take action' or 'make a move'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
そろそろ行動を起こす時だ。
It's time to make a move.
Literally 'start moving', often used for beginning a project or plan. Slightly more casual.
計画がようやく動き出した。
The plan finally made a move.
A formal, written term meaning 'starting operation' or 'initiating'. Often used in business or technical contexts.
新プロジェクトが始動した。
The new project has made a move.
To approach someone with romantic or sexual interest, often physically or through a proposition.
The most common verb for 'make a move' in a romantic sense. It implies actively trying to seduce or woo someone.
彼は彼女を口説こうとした。
He tried to make a move on her.
A loanword from English, commonly used for making a romantic approach. Slightly less direct than 口説く.
彼にアプローチをかけてみたら？
Why don't you make a move on him?
Literally 'put out one's hand', often implies making a physical advance, sometimes with a negative connotation of unwanted touching.
Can sound aggressive or inappropriate depending on context. Use with care.
To leave a place or start moving from one location to another.
Standard verb for 'depart' or 'set off'. Neutral and widely used.
そろそろ出発しよう。
Let's make a move.
Simple verb meaning 'move'. In context, it can mean 'get going' or 'make a move'.
もう動かないと遅れるよ。
We need to make a move or we'll be late.
To take a turn in a board game, card game, or similar.
Literally 'strike a hand', used for making a move in games like shogi or go, and metaphorically for taking action.
次の手を打ってください。
Please make your next move.
Specifically used in shogi (Japanese chess) for making a move. 指す means 'to point' or 'to play (a piece)'.
彼は慎重に一手を指した。
He carefully made a move.
The English phrase 'make a move' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (動きを作る) would be unnatural. Always choose an expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
酔って手を出してしまった。
I got drunk and made a move (on someone).