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機械が動く
kikai ga ugoku
What does "機械が動く" mean in English?
machine operatesこの機械が動くまで、しばらく待ちましょう。
Let's wait until this machine operates.
How to use "機械が動く" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
For a machine to function or work by starting its mechanical processes.
エンジンが動くと、車は走り始めます。
Once the engine operates, the car starts moving.
Often used in technical or mechanical contexts to describe the activation of machinery.
Collocations
機械がスムーズに動くmachine operates smoothly機械が故障して動かないmachine is broken and won't operate機械を動かすto operate a machine
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguishing 動く (ugoku) in machinery contexts
In Japanese, 動く can mean 'to move' (physical motion) or 'to operate' (functional activation). For machines, it typically refers to the latter unless context specifies physical movement (e.g., a robot arm moving).
Gold Rule
Machine operation vs. human movement
機械が動く always refers to the machine's functional operation. For human movement, use 人が動く (hito ga ugoku).
Word Origin
機械 (kikai) means 'machine' and 動く (ugoku) means 'to move/operate'. The phrase combines these to describe the mechanical operation of a machine.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in technical manuals, engineering contexts, or everyday descriptions of machinery. It implies intentional activation rather than accidental movement.
Word Breakdown
機械
machine
nounが
subject marker
particle動く
to operate/move
verb和英辞典