Quick answer
動 is the kanji for "to move". It is a JLPT N4 kanji. The main reading is うご.く (ugoku). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
to move
Also : to shift · to shake · Motion · Change
Learn 動 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
11 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 動 represents 'MOVE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of move.
On-reading: どう — remember this sound by associating it with move. Kun-reading: うご.く.
Example Sentences
体を動かすのが大切です。
からだをうごかすのがたいせつです。
It's important to move your body.
動物園で象を見ました。
どうぶつえんでぞうをみました。
I saw an elephant at the zoo.
Vocabulary using 動
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
Learn 動 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.