Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'change residence' depends on the nature of the move. The most common and neutral term is 引っ越す (hikkosu), which refers to moving house or relocating one's home. For more formal or official contexts, such as changing one's registered address, 転居する (tenkyo suru) is used. When moving to a new city or region, especially for work or study, 移住する (ijū suru) is appropriate. There are also more specific or literary terms, but they are less common in everyday speech.
To express the act of moving from one residence to another, typically within the same city or to a nearby area. This is the most common way to say 'change residence' in daily conversation.
The standard verb for moving house. It implies packing up belongings and relocating to a new home. Used in casual and polite contexts.
I'm moving to Osaka next month.
I was asked to help with the move.
A noun phrase using 引っ越し (the noun form) with する. Slightly more formal than the verb 引っ越す, but still common.
Before moving, I sorted out my belongings.
To express changing one's registered residence, often for administrative purposes like notifying the post office or city hall. This is more formal than 引っ越す.
A formal verb meaning to change one's address or move to a new residence. Often used in official documents or notifications.
I submitted a change-of-address notice to the post office.
I will contact you as soon as my new address is decided.
Literally 'change address'. A straightforward phrase used in formal contexts, such as updating your address with a bank or service.
You can change your address online.
To express moving to a different city, region, or country, often implying a significant change in living environment. This can be for work, retirement, or a lifestyle change.
Means to migrate or relocate, often to a distant place. It carries a nuance of settling in a new area, sometimes permanently. Common for moving to the countryside or abroad.
I want to relocate to the countryside and start farming.
I applied for a visa to move abroad.
Combines 引っ越す with 行く to emphasize moving away to another place. It can imply a more permanent or distant move.
To express changing one's place of residence on a temporary basis, such as moving to a new apartment or dormitory, or changing hotels.
A general verb meaning 'to move' or 'to transfer'. When used for residence, it implies moving from one place to another, often temporarily. Less common than 引っ越す for permanent moves.
I moved to a new apartment.
Literally 'change lodging'. Used when switching hotels or inns during travel. Not for permanent residence.
I changed my lodging during the trip.
To express the act of leaving a current residence, often focusing on the departure rather than the destination.
Combines 引っ越す with 出る (to leave). Emphasizes moving out of a place. Often used when the new location is not specified or not the focus.
I'm moving out of this house next week.
A formal term meaning to vacate or leave a residence, often used in legal or rental contexts (e.g., ending a lease).
引っ越す is the everyday word for moving house. 転居する is formal and often used for official address changes. 移住する implies a significant relocation, often to a distant or new area, and can carry a nuance of migration or settling.
While 変える means 'to change', saying 住居を変える is not natural. Use 引っ越す or 転居する instead. 変える is used for changing things like clothes or plans, not residences.
He moved from Tokyo to Hokkaido.
Due to the expiration of the contract, I will be vacating the premises.