Words & readings susumu / shin
Susumu and susumeru: who is moving things forward?
Two verbs built from 進 place the focus differently. Learn the distinction with a meeting and a plan.
Wear this characterMeaning at a glance
進む, susumu, describes moving forward or progressing. 進める, susumeru, can describe moving something forward. 進 also has the reading shin, as in 前進, zenshin. The written endings matter: they help distinguish the complete verbs rather than merely decorating the kanji. [1]
See it in words
- 進む
- susumuTo move forward or progress
- 進める
- susumeruTo move something forward
- 前進
- zenshinMoving forward; progress
A closer look
Is something progressing, or is someone advancing it?
Compare a meeting progressing with a person moving a discussion forward. The first sentence focuses on what is happening; the second brings in the action of someone advancing it. This is a useful starting point for the verb pair, though the best translation still depends on the complete sentence.
Write two short notes about a project: what is progressing, and what you can move forward today. The first might describe a plan taking shape; the second might name one conversation you can arrange. Separating them makes both the language exercise and the practical next step more concrete.
A meaning to make your own
Explain the print as progress or moving forward, then choose your own example rather than treating it as a command.
A thought to give
“For the next step you choose, at a pace that works for you.” Keep encouragement separate from a deadline.
Make a gift cardOne more question
Are susumu and susumeru interchangeable?
No. Their grammatical roles differ. Learn them in complete sentences and pay attention to what is progressing and who is acting on what.
Sources & editorial approach
Sources may be in Japanese or English.
Readings and cultural references are checked against the sources below. Styling and gift ideas are our suggestions. Written with AI assistance and source checks.
