130
動
Move
うご(く) (ugoku), うご(かす) (ugokasu)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
Symbol of 動 combines 重 (heavy) with 力 (strength). ⚖️ Long ago, the idea was simple: moving something heavy requires great strength. Over time, the meaning expanded beyond physical effort to include any kind of movement, from walking and dancing to machines operating and emotions being stirred.
Memory Trick
💪 It takes strength(力) to "move" heavy(重) things.
Readings
Onyomi: ドウ (dou)
Kunyomi: うご(く) (ugoku), うご(かす) (ugokasu)
Example Words
動く
うごく (ugoku)
To move
動物
どうぶつ (doubutsu)
Animal
運動
うんどう (undou)
Exercise
自動車
じどうしゃ (jidousha)
Automobile
Example Sentence
その 箱は 動きません。
その はこは うごきません。
sono hako wa ugokimasen
That box does not move.