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.
I'm relocating to Osaka next month.
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.
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.
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.
Our company will relocate its headquarters to Tokyo next year.
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.
My father was relocated to Osaka.
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.
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.
They relocated to Canada.
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.
I helped my friend relocate (move house).
Since the company relocated, my commute time changed.
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.
事務所を都心に移す予定です。
We plan to relocate the office to the city center.
He will be relocated to the Nagoya branch next month.