Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'move on' in Japanese, including physically moving to a new place, progressing to the next topic or stage, and emotionally moving on from a past event or relationship.
The speaker wants to indicate that they are moving forward in a conversation, task, or life stage, leaving the current subject behind.
A natural, general way to say 'move on to the next thing'. Used in meetings, presentations, and daily conversation.
Now, let's move on to the next agenda item.
Let's drop that topic and move on.
Emphasizes moving ahead, often used when you want to progress without dwelling on the current point.
Let's not worry about the details and move on.
Specifically means 'to move the conversation forward'. Useful when you want to change the subject.
Can we move the conversation along a bit?
The speaker wants to express that they are getting over a past emotional event and moving forward with their life.
Means to get over something emotionally, to stop letting it bother you. Often used for breakups or past regrets.
I've finally moved on from the heartbreak.
Literally 'switch one's feelings'. Used when you consciously decide to change your mindset and move forward.
Means 'not to drag the past along'. A common way to say you are not letting the past hold you back.
A very casual, slangy way to say 'move on to the next (person/thing)'. Often used in dating contexts.
We broke up, so let's just move on, man.
The speaker wants to indicate that someone is leaving a location to go somewhere else, often after a stop or delay.
General verb for 'to move (to another location)'. Neutral and widely used.
Let's move on to the next venue soon.
Means 'to go ahead'. Used when someone moves on while others stay behind.
Go on ahead. I'll catch up soon.
Means 'to depart'. More formal, often used for scheduled departures of vehicles or groups.
The bus moved on/departed on schedule.
The speaker wants to express that time continues to pass, often implying that one must accept change.
The literal translation 上に動く makes no sense in Japanese. Always use the context-appropriate phrases above.
move on (incorrect literal translation)
次に進む focuses on the next item in a sequence (next agenda, next topic). 先に進む focuses on moving forward in general, often implying not getting stuck on the current point. They overlap but 先に進む can sound more proactive.
Stop moping around forever and move on.
Forget about the failure and move on.
She's moved on from the past already.