Japanese Conversation · Level 69
75 words
Japanese word
身動き
Pronunciation
Romajimiugoki
Meaning
- nounmovement
Example
狭い席では身動きができません。sema i seki de wa mi ugo ki ga de ki ma se n
I cannot move in this cramped seat.
More examples
けがをした足が痛くて、ベッドの上で身動きができません。ke ga o shi ta ashi ga ita ku te be ddo no ue de mi ugo ki ga de ki ma se n
I cannot move in bed because my injured leg hurts.
Core concept
Describes the body's movement or change of position, often with attention to how freely it can move.
Common phrases
身動きが取れないmi ugo ki ga to re na i
be unable to move
身動きもできないmi ugo ki mo de ki na i
be unable to move
身動き一つしないmi ugo ki hito tsu shi na i
not move a muscle
Similar words
動きugoki: A movement of the body or a change in its position.
身じろぎmijirogi: A slight movement of the body, often made while staying in the same place.
動作dōsa: A physical movement made by the body, often as part of an action.
Definition in Japanese
体を動かすこと。特に、狭い場所などで姿勢や位置を変えること。karada o ugo ka su ko to toku ni sema i ba sho na do de shi sei ya i chi o ka e ru ko to
Word origin
This native Japanese compound combines 身 (mi, "body") with 動き (ugoki, "movement"), the noun formed from 動く (ugoku, "to move").
Usage tips
- In natural conversation, this noun often highlights whether a person can make even a small change of posture, rather than simply describing movement as an event.