Translation and Meaning of: 移す - utsusu

Have you ever needed to transfer files from one computer to another or worried about ing a cold to someone? In Japanese, the word 移す [うつす] covers these meanings and much more. In this article, we will delve deeply into this versatile expression, from its etymology to its usage in everyday Japanese. If you are studying the language, you will love discovering how the kanji 移 connects to the verb and how it appears in practical sentences that can be used in Anki or other memorization systems.

In addition to meanings like "remove," "transfer," and "infect," うつす has nuances that only make sense when we dive into Japanese culture and the way of thinking. Is there a trick to this kanji more easily? And how do Japanese people use this word in everyday situations? Let's uncover all of this, including curiosities that are rarely mentioned in textbooks.

The Kanji 移 and its historical journey

The character 移 is a fascinating combination. The radical 禾 (ear of rice) suggests movement or transfer, while 多 (much) reinforces the idea of something spreading. Together, they paint the picture of grains being transported from one place to another - a perfect metaphor for the modern meanings of the verb. It's no surprise that this kanji appears in words like 移動 (いどう - movement) and 移住 (いじゅう - migration).

In ancient China, where the character originated, 移 already carried the sense of displacement. When it was adopted by Japanese, it retained its semantic core but gained specific uses in the language. One proof of this is how うつす can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts, such as transferring data or even feelings. This flexibility makes it one of the most useful verbs for those learning Japanese.

From the office to the hospital: everyday uses

In the Japanese workplace, hearing データを移す (transfer data) is as common as having breakfast with onigiri. But the word goes far beyond the office. Doctors use 感染を移す ( on an infection) to alert about contagious diseases, while housewives talk about 花を移す (transplanting flowers) when they take care of the garden. This variety of applications shows why うつす is so essential in the vocabulary.

A particularly interesting usage appears in the expression 気を移す - literally "to transfer attention". The Japanese use this when someone distracts another person or when we shift our focus to something new. Have you ever thought about how this simple word captures both the physics and psychology of movement? It's this richness that makes Japanese such a special language to learn.

Memorizing 移す effortlessly

Want an infallible trick to never forget this verb? Imagine the kanji 移 as a conveyor belt transporting grains of rice (the radical 禾) from one side to the other. This silly image firmly embeds both the writing and the main meaning in your mind. Another tip is to associate うつす with the sound of "uts" in "s" – after all, when we transfer files, we are basically ing them from one place to another.

To practice, how about creating flashcards with sentences like 新しいパソコンに写真を移した (I transferred the photos to the new computer) or 風邪を移さないように気をつけて (Be careful not to spread the cold)? Using うつす in real contexts is the best way to internalize it. And when you least expect it, you'll be using this word with the naturalness of someone born in the Japanese archipelago.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 移す

• 移す - transitive verb
• 移します - polite form
• 移されます - ive
• 移してください - imperative
• 移せば - conditional

Synonyms and similar words

• 移動する (idou suru) - move
• 移転する (iten suru) - move, transfer (usually used for locations such as residences or businesses)
• 移行する (ikou suru) - change to, transit (between systems or states)
• 移し替える (utsushikaeru) - transferring, moving from one container to another
• 移す (utsusu) - transfer, move something from one place to another
• 移し変える (utsushikaeru) - to transform, to change the form or manner of something
• 移し換える (utsushikaeru) - reorganize, swap places or rearrange
• 移し変わる (utsushikawaru) - to be transferred or to move to a new condition or form
• 移し替わる (utsushikawaru) - switch containers or places, change to (it's not just a transfer, but a simultaneous exchange)