Translation guide
The English verb 'relocate' can refer to moving one's home, moving a business or office, or being transferred for work. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on who is moving and why. For personal moves, 引っ越す is the default. For company moves or transfers, 移転する or 転勤する are common. This guide covers the main ways to express these ideas.
To change one's place of residence, typically within the same city or to a new area.
The most common and natural verb for moving house. Used for personal moves, not for businesses.
来月、大阪に引っ越します。
I'm relocating to Osaka next month.
彼は最近、新しいアパートに引っ越した。
He recently relocated to a new apartment.
A general verb meaning 'to move' or 'to transfer'. Can be used for moving house, but 引っ越す is more specific and common for residential moves.
東京から京都に移りました。
I relocated from Tokyo to Kyoto.
The noun form 引っ越し plus する. Often used when talking about the process or event of moving.
引っ越しする前に、荷物を整理した。
Before relocating, I sorted out my belongings.
To change the location of a company, store, or office.
The standard term for relocating a business, office, or store. Implies a formal or official move.
当社は来年、本社を東京に移転します。
Our company will relocate its headquarters to Tokyo next year.
その店は駅前の新しいビルに移転した。
The store relocated to a new building in front of the station.
Transitive verb meaning 'to move something'. Can be used for relocating an office, but 移転する is more formal and business-like.
To move to a new location because of a job transfer or reassignment.
Specifically means to be transferred by one's company to a different office or location. Implies an employer-initiated move.
父が大阪に転勤になりました。
My father was relocated to Osaka.
転勤で家族と離れて暮らしています。
I'm living apart from my family due to a job relocation.
A broader term for personnel transfers, which can include relocation. Often used within a company context.
彼は来月、名古屋支店に異動する。
He will be relocated to the Nagoya branch next month.
To permanently move to a different country or faraway region.
Means to emigrate or permanently relocate to another country or region. Often used for long-term or life-changing moves.
彼らはカナダに移住した。
They relocated to Canada.
定年後、田舎に移住する人が増えている。
More people are relocating to the countryside after retirement.
引っ越す is for personal moves (changing residence). 移転する is for businesses or organizations moving their location. 転勤する is for employees being transferred by their company. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
友達が引っ越すのを手伝った。
I helped my friend relocate (move house).
会社が移転するので通勤時間が変わった。
Since the company relocated, my commute time changed.
兄が転勤で仙台に行った。
My brother relocated to Sendai due to a job transfer.
The loanword リロケート (rirokeeto) is rarely used in natural Japanese. It may appear in some technical or business contexts, but it's not recommended for learners. Stick to the native Japanese terms above.
We plan to relocate the office to the city center.