Translation guide
The English word 'shift' covers many meanings: moving something, changing something, a work period, a gear in a vehicle, and more. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners.
To move something from one place to another, often slightly or temporarily.
General verb for moving something. Can be used for shifting objects.
Please shift the desk a little to the right.
To move or transfer something to a different location. Often implies relocation.
To shift something slightly, often by sliding or adjusting position.
To change from one state, opinion, or thing to another.
General verb for changing something. Works for shifting focus, attitude, etc.
A period of work time, often in a rotating schedule.
Common loanword for work shift. Used in part-time jobs and shift work.
The mechanism for changing gears in a car or bicycle.
Gear. Often used with 'shift' as in 'ギアチェンジ'.
The key on a keyboard used to type capital letters or symbols.
A subtle change in nuance, focus, or interpretation.
Change or shift. General noun for alteration.
The loanword シフト is mainly used for work shifts and the shift key. For moving or changing things, use native Japanese verbs like 動かす or 変える.
I shifted the luggage to the next room.
Can we shift the schedule by one hour?
Let's shift the topic.
To switch over, especially between modes, tasks, or mindsets.
Shift my mind into work mode.
Formal term for conversion or shift, often used in policy or direction.
We need to shift our policy significantly.
今日は夜のシフトです。
I have the night shift today.
Formal term for duty or work shift. Often used in official contexts.
He is on the night shift.
Shift system or rotation system. Refers to the system itself.
This factory operates on a 24-hour shift system.
ギアを変える。
Shift gears.
Gear shift lever. The physical stick in a car.
Operate the gear shift.
Shift key. Standard term in computing.
Click while holding down the shift key.
Pay attention to the shift in meaning.
Transition or shift, often gradual or systematic.
The shift to digital is progressing.