Translation and Meaning of: 転居 - tenkyo

The Japanese word 転居 (てんきょ) is a useful term for those learning the language or planning to move in Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in daily life, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese talk about changing residence, this guide will clarify your doubts in a practical and straightforward manner.

Meaning and usage of 転居

転居 means "change of residence" or "change of address." It is a noun that describes the act of moving from one home to another, either within the same city or to a distant location. Unlike words like 引っ越し (ひっこし), which has a more casual tone, 転居 is more formal and often used in official documents.

A common example of use is in government forms or contracts, where it is necessary to inform a change of address. Moving companies also use this term in professional communications. Although it is not so common in daily conversations, it is essential to know it for bureaucratic situations.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 転居 is composed of two kanjis: 転 (てん), which means "to turn" or "to change," and 居 (きょ), which refers to "residence" or "to live." Together, they convey the idea of a transition of living location. This combination is logical and helps to understand the context in which the word is applied.

It's worth noting that 転 also appears in like 転職 (てんしょく, job change) and 転校 (てんこう, school transfer), always with the notion of alteration. Meanwhile, 居 is found in words like 居間 (いま, living room) and 居住 (きょじゅう, residence). Understanding these radicals can aid memorization.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to 転居 is to associate it with formal situations, such as contracts or public notices. If you have ever filled out a form in Japan, you have likely come across this term. Another tip is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "転居届を提出する" (submit a change of address notification).

Curiously, although 転居 is less common in informal conversations, its use in istrative contexts is essential. Knowing this difference avoids confusion and demonstrates a deeper understanding of the language. If you are studying Japanese for professional or bureaucratic purposes, mastering this vocabulary is a significant step.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 引っ越し (hikkoshi) - Moving residence, referring to the act of moving to a new home.
• 移転 (iten) - Transfer from one location to another, often used in business or institutional contexts.
• 移住 (ijuu) - Permanently moving to a new country or region implies a longer relocation, usually with the intention of establishing residency.
• 転住 (tenju) - Moving residence, similar to 引っ越し, but it may imply a more frequent change or with more emphasis on lifestyle change.
• 転移 (ten'i) - Movement or displacement, generally used in more technical or scientific contexts.