Translation and Meaning of: 移る - utsuru

If you have ever tried to move house in Japan or heard someone speak about "catching" a cold there, it is very likely that you have come across the verb 移る (うつる). This versatile little word carries meanings ranging from a simple physical move to the transmission of illnesses, and understanding its details can prevent confusion when using it. In this article, you will discover the origin of the kanji 移, how it connects to its current meaning, and even tips for memorizing its writing — because yes, that extra stroke in the radical makes all the difference!

In addition to exploring the etymology and the pictogram, let's uncover everyday situations in which the Japanese use うつる, such as in conversations about changes of department at work or that virus that "jumped" from one person to another. And if you're the type who likes to study with flashcards, get ready: I've included practical examples that fit perfectly into your Anki. Let's start with the root of the matter — literally.

The Kanji 移 and Its Etymological Journey

The character 移 is a classic combination of radical and phonetic component. The left side, 禾 (ear of rice), suggests movement — after all, harvests migrate from the field to the table. On the right, 多 (many), lends its reading "ta" while reinforcing the idea of multiplication or dispersion. It's no wonder that this kanji has become associated with concepts like transfer and propagation.

Historically, 移る emerged during the Heian period (794-1185) to describe the action of something moving from one place to another. Imagine the nobles of the court relocating between capitals: their belongings "moved" (移る) along with them. Over time, the meaning expanded to metaphors like emotions that "infect" groups or even stains that "migrate" to another piece of clothing in the wash.

When to Use うつる in Daily Life

In the mouth of a Japanese person, 移る often appears in two scenarios: epidemics and job relocation. During the pandemic, phrases like "風邪がうつった" (the cold passed to me) echoed in medical offices. In companies, it is common to hear "営業部にうつる" (to be transferred to the sales department) — a context that confuses many students, as it does not involve illnesses.

A curious detail: when talking about contagion, うつる usually implies involuntary transmission. If someone says "I caught the flu (インフルがうつった)", there is a nuance that they caught the flu unintentionally, perhaps due to carelessness. Compare it with 感染する (kansen suru), a more technical term used in medical reports. This subtlety makes all the difference in daily communication.

Memorizing 移る with Pictograms and Tricks

Anyone who has tried to write 移 knows that the diagonal stroke in the radical 禾 is tricky. An infallible technique is to visualize an ear of rice being carried by the wind (the movement of the diagonal) while spilling grains (the dots of the component 多). This mental image helps to fix both the form and the meaning of "to transfer."

For pun fans, how about linking the reading うつる to the sound of "u, tsuru!"—as if shouting for a stork (tsuru) to carry something away? It may seem silly, but your brain will remember this scene when needed. And if you prefer real examples, write down this phrase in your review deck: "When I was transferred to the new department, my computer was also moved."