Translation guide
The English word 'transferring' covers several distinct actions in Japanese, from moving objects and changing transport to sending money and reassigning people. The most natural Japanese expression depends heavily on what is being transferred and the context.
To physically move something or send data/files from one location to another.
General verb for moving something from one place to another. Can be used for objects, data, or even abstract things like attention.
データをUSBに移す。
Transfer data to a USB drive.
荷物を倉庫に移した。
I transferred the luggage to the warehouse.
More formal or technical term for moving/transferring something. Often used for relocating objects or people.
ファイルを別のフォルダに移動する。
Move the file to another folder.
Specifically for forwarding or transferring data, emails, calls, etc. Common in tech contexts.
メールを転送してください。
Please forward the email.
To change trains, buses, planes, etc., during a journey.
To move funds electronically between bank accounts.
To move an employee to another department, branch, or role.
Standard business term for personnel transfer. Can be used for both the action and the state.
彼は大阪支社に異動になった。
He was transferred to the Osaka branch.
To legally hand over ownership or rights to another person or entity.
Formal legal term for transferring ownership or rights. Used in contracts and official documents.
著作権を会社に譲渡した。
I transferred the copyright to the company.
The English word 'transfer' covers many situations, but Japanese uses distinct verbs for each. Using the wrong one can cause confusion. For example, 移す for money sounds unnatural; use 振り込む instead.
異動 is a general personnel transfer, which may or may not involve relocation. 転勤 specifically means a transfer that requires moving to a new area. In casual conversation, 異動 is more common.
The standard verb for changing transportation. Literally 'ride-change'.
東京駅で新幹線に乗り換えます。
I'll transfer to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
Noun form meaning 'transfer' or 'connection' between flights/trains. Often used in travel contexts.
乗り継ぎ便に遅れた。
I missed my connecting flight.
The most common verb for transferring money into someone's account. Often used in banking.
家賃を大家さんの口座に振り込んだ。
I transferred the rent to the landlord's account.
General term for sending money, not necessarily to a bank account. Can be used for remittances.
海外に送金する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to transfer money overseas.
Specifically refers to a job transfer that involves relocating to a different area. Often implies a longer-term move.
来月、仙台に転勤します。
I'm being transferred to Sendai next month.
Can be used for transferring rights or registration, but more commonly means physical relocation of a building or office.
本店を移転する手続きをした。
We went through the procedure to transfer the head office.