Translation guide
The English word "movement" covers physical motion, organized groups, changes in position or trend, and even musical sections. Japanese uses different words for each meaning. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Describing the act of moving or motion in general.
The most common word for physical movement, motion, or activity. Can refer to movement of objects, people, or even abstract trends.
His movement stopped.
The machine's movement is smooth.
Refers to a specific physical action or operation, often used in technical or formal contexts.
Program the robot's movements.
Often means physical exercise or sports, but can also refer to motion in a scientific sense.
Do you exercise every day?
Observe the movement of objects.
Referring to a social, political, or artistic movement.
Describing a shift, fluctuation, or trend in data, prices, or situations.
Works for trends, market movements, or changes in a situation.
I'm watching the movement of stock prices.
Specifically means fluctuation or change, often used for prices, numbers, or conditions.
Refers to transition or changes over time, often used in formal reports.
Referring to a part of a longer musical composition.
Euphemism for defecation.
動き (ugoki) is the most general word for movement/motion. 運動 (undou) leans toward exercise or organized campaigns. 動作 (dousa) is for specific, often mechanical or programmed actions.
運動 primarily means exercise or a social movement. Using it for simple physical motion (like moving your hand) sounds unnatural. Use 動き instead.
The movement of the planets.
She's part of the feminist movement.
There's been a movement in public opinion.
The civil rights movement changed history.
This art movement started in the 90s.
為替の変動が激しい。
Currency movements are volatile.
Show the population movement on a graph.
I like the second movement.
Have you had a bowel movement?