Which one should you use?
While 動かない describes a general state or a failure to start, 動いていない is often used to describe a machine that is currently in a state of not operating. For emphasizing that something does not work at all or lacks any functionality in an informal context, you can use 全然機能しない.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In a polite context, such as when speaking to staff or customers, you should use the form 動きません. For formal situations where you want to emphasize that something does not function or operate properly, 機能しない is an appropriate phrase. In informal settings, you can use 全然動かない to emphasize that something doesn't work at all. Additionally, when speaking among friends or acquaintances, adding んだ to 使えない to make 使えないんだ makes the expression more conversational and assertive.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a machine that is currently in a state of not operating, use 動いていない.
How do you pronounce it?
ugokanai
Did you know?
- The term for 'animal', 動物 (dōbutsu), uses the same root as 動かない because it literally translates to a 'moving thing'.
- In Japanese, you can use 動かない to describe a person who is being uncooperative or refuses to take action. If a person is described as 動かない, it means they are being stubborn or refusing to act, rather than being physically paralyzed.
- While it often describes failure, calling a person 'unmoving' with 動かない can actually be a compliment, meaning they are steadfast or unshakeable in their convictions.
Examples in context
- エアコンが動かないんです。The air conditioner doesn't work.
- このパソコンは使えなくなりました。This computer has become unusable.
- このリモコンは機能しません。This remote control doesn't work.
- このスピーカー、全然動かないよ。This speaker doesn't work at all.
- この自転車、もう使えないんだ。This bicycle is no longer usable.
- この新しいアプリ、全然機能しないんだ。This new app doesn't work at all.
- おもちゃが動かないので、困っています。Omocha ga ugokanai node, komatte imasu.I'm troubled because the toy doesn't work.
- エレベーターが動かないみたいだ。Erebētā ga ugokanai mitai da.It looks like the elevator doesn't work.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are trying to use a broken vending machine.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、この自販機、動かないよ。Ren-kun, kono jihanki, ugokanai yo.Ren, this vending machine doesn't work.
- 蓮 Ren本当だ。電源が入っていないのかな？Hontō da. Dengen ga haitte inai no kana?You're right. I wonder if the power is off?
- 結衣 Yuiボタンを押しても動かないね。Botan o oshite mo ugokanai ne.It doesn't work even when I press the button.
- 蓮 Ren壊れているのかもしれないね。Kowarete iru no kamo shirenai ne.It might be broken.
