赴任 in 30 Seconds
- 赴任 (funin) refers specifically to the professional act of moving to a new location to take up a job post assigned by an employer.
- It is commonly used as a suru-verb (赴任する) and is essential for describing corporate transfers, diplomatic postings, and teacher rotations in Japan.
- The word distinguishes itself from personal moves (hikkoshi) and short business trips (shutchō) by focusing on long-term, duty-bound relocation.
- Key related terms include 'kaigai-funin' (overseas assignment) and 'tanshin-funin' (working away from family), reflecting significant aspects of Japanese work culture.
The Japanese word 赴任 (ふにん - funin) is a specialized term that translates to 'moving to a new post' or 'taking up a new position.' While English speakers might simply say they are 'transferring' or 'moving for work,' the Japanese language uses this specific noun to describe the formal act of traveling to a designated location to begin official duties. It is not merely a physical move; it is a professional transition that carries the weight of responsibility and corporate or governmental mandate. This term is quintessential to the 'salaryman' culture of Japan, where employees are frequently reassigned to different branches, sometimes across the country or even the globe. Understanding this word requires grasping the distinction between a personal move and a professional deployment.
- Professional Context
- This word is strictly used in business, government, and educational sectors. You would never use it for a student moving to university or a retiree moving to the countryside. It implies a 'dispatch' by an organization.
来月からロンドン支店に赴任することになりました。(I have been assigned to take up a post at the London branch starting next month.)
The nuance of 赴任 involves a sense of mission. The first character, 赴 (fu), means to proceed, go toward, or repair to a place. The second character, 任 (nin), means duty, responsibility, or office. Together, they form the concept of 'proceeding to one's duty.' This explains why the word sounds formal and serious. In Japanese society, a 赴任 notice is often met with a mixture of celebration for the promotion or new experience and sympathy for the logistical hardship of moving one's entire life. It is a major life event that involves not just the individual, but often their entire family, leading to related concepts like 'family moves' or the bittersweet 'tanshin-funin.'
- Geographic Scope
- The term is used for both domestic transfers (国内赴任 - kokunai funin) and international assignments (海外赴任 - kaigai funin). Overseas assignments are particularly prestigious and are often referred to as 'kaigai-funin.'
彼は長年の夢だったニューヨークへの赴任を命じられた。(He was ordered to take up a post in New York, which had been his long-held dream.)
In a broader sense, 赴任 reflects the Japanese corporate value of flexibility and loyalty. Companies move people to spread expertise, train future leaders, and maintain organizational cohesion across different regions. Therefore, when you use this word, you are acknowledging the structural hierarchy of Japanese work life. It is not a choice made by the individual in a vacuum, but a collaborative step in a career path directed by the employer. If you are talking to a colleague about their new role in another city, using 赴任 shows you respect the professional nature of their relocation.
- Social Implications
- The term often triggers discussions about housing, schools for children, and the emotional toll of leaving friends behind. It is a heavy word that encompasses the logistical and emotional complexity of professional relocation.
新しい赴任先での生活は、期待と不安が入り混じっている。(Life at the new place of assignment is a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.)
Using 赴任 (funin) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and its specific collocations. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence, but it most commonly appears as a 'suru' verb (赴任する) or as part of a compound noun like 赴任先 (funin-saki - the place of assignment) or 赴任手当 (funin-teate - relocation allowance). When constructing sentences, the destination is almost always marked by the particle に (ni) or へ (e), emphasizing the movement toward the new duty station.
- Common Verb Patterns
- The most standard form is '[Destination] に 赴任する.' You can also use passive forms like '赴任を命じられる' (to be ordered to take a post) to emphasize that the decision came from the company.
部長は来月から大阪支社へ赴任されます。(The department manager will be taking up a post at the Osaka branch from next month.)
In formal business writing, such as an email announcing a change in personnel, 赴任 is the standard choice. It conveys a level of professionalism that 'hikkoshi' (moving) or 'iku' (going) lacks. For example, when a new manager arrives, they might introduce themselves by saying, 'この度、こちらの支店に赴任いたしました' (I have recently taken up my post at this branch). This sets a respectful tone and acknowledges the official nature of their presence.
- Compound Nuances
- 赴任先 (funin-saki) refers to the location. 赴任期間 (funin-kikan) refers to the duration of the assignment. These compounds are essential for discussing logistics and planning.
海外赴任の準備には、ビザの申請や予防接種など多くの手間がかかる。(Preparing for an overseas assignment takes a lot of effort, including visa applications and vaccinations.)
When discussing the impact on family, the term '単身赴任' (tanshin-funin) is vital. This refers to an employee taking a new post alone while their family stays behind, usually due to children's schooling or the spouse's job. This is a significant cultural phenomenon in Japan and is always described using the word 赴任. It highlights that the move is a duty-bound sacrifice. Similarly, '家族帯同赴任' (kazoku-taido-funin) describes a move where the family accompanies the employee.
- Honorific Usage
- When talking about a superior, use 'ご赴任' (go-funin) or the humble form '赴任いたしました' (funin-itashimashita) for yourself to maintain proper 'keigo' (honorific language).
前任の田中さんに代わりまして、本日よりこちらに赴任いたしました佐藤です。(I am Sato, and I have taken up my post here starting today, replacing my predecessor, Mr. Tanaka.)
The word 赴任 (funin) is ubiquitous in Japanese professional life. You will encounter it most frequently in corporate environments, government offices, and educational institutions. If you work in a Japanese company, you will see it in human resources announcements (人事異動 - jinji ido) sent via email or posted on the company bulletin board. These announcements list who is moving where and when their 赴任 date is. It is a word that signals change, career progression, and sometimes the stress of relocation.
- In the Media
- News reports use 赴任 when discussing diplomats or high-ranking officials moving to international embassies. For example, 'The new ambassador to the US has arrived at their post' would use 赴任.
新任の大使が、ワシントンの日本大使館に赴任した。(The newly appointed ambassador has taken up his post at the Japanese Embassy in Washington.)
In schools, teachers are regularly rotated between different public schools within a prefecture. This is called 'kyōshi no funin.' At the start of the Japanese school year in April, you will often hear students and parents talking about which new teachers are '赴任してくる' (coming to take up their posts) and which ones are leaving. It is a standard part of the educational lifecycle in Japan. If a teacher says, 'I moved here from Kyoto,' and they are referring to their job transfer, they will likely use 赴任.
- TV Dramas and Literature
- Many Japanese dramas (dorama) focus on the 'tanshin-funin' lifestyle—the struggles of a father living alone in a small apartment while his family stays in the city. The word 赴任 is the central theme of these stories.
ドラマの主人公は、地方の支店への赴任を機に人生を見つめ直す。(The protagonist of the drama re-evaluates his life upon taking a post at a regional branch.)
Finally, you will hear this word in casual conversation among adults when discussing their career history. It is common for people to say, 'When I was posted to Singapore...' (シンガポールに赴任していた時...). It serves as a chronological marker for different phases of their professional life. Because 赴任 implies a specific time and place associated with work, it is a very efficient way to provide context for past experiences. In summary, if there is a desk and a salary waiting at the destination, 赴任 is the word you will hear.
While 赴任 (funin) is a useful word, its specific nuances make it easy for learners to misuse. The most common mistake is using it for any type of move. 赴任 is strictly for work-related assignments. If you are moving because you bought a new house or because you want to live in a cooler climate, using 赴任 would be incorrect and confusing to a native speaker. In those cases, 'hikkoshi' (引っ越し) or 'tenshu' (転居) are the appropriate terms.
- Mistake: Personal Moves
- Incorrect: 'I am 赴任 to a new apartment near the park.' Correct: 'I am 引っ越し to a new apartment.' 赴任 requires an employer-employee relationship and a specific job post.
❌ 趣味のために沖縄へ赴任します。(Incorrect: I am taking a post in Okinawa for my hobby.)
Another mistake involves confusing 赴任 with 転勤 (tenkin). While they are related, they are not identical. 転勤 refers to the 'transfer' or the change in the place of work itself. 赴任 refers specifically to the act of 'proceeding to' and 'arriving at' the new post to start work. You are 'ordered' to 転勤, and as a result, you 赴任 to the new location. Using 赴任 when you mean the general concept of being transferred can sometimes sound slightly off, though they are often used in similar contexts.
- Mistake: Confusing with 'Travel'
- Learners sometimes use 赴任 to mean 'going on a business trip.' This is incorrect. A business trip is 'shutchō' (出張). 赴任 implies a long-term relocation where your primary base of work changes.
❌ 三日間の会議のために東京へ赴任します。(Incorrect: I am taking a post in Tokyo for a three-day meeting.)
Finally, watch out for particle usage. While に (ni) is the most common particle for the destination, some learners mistakenly use を (wo) with the destination. You 赴任 *to* a place, you don't '赴任 the place.' Also, ensure you use the correct honorifics. Using the plain form '赴任する' when talking about your CEO's relocation would be considered rude; you should use '赴任なさる' or '赴任される' to show proper respect.
To truly master 赴任 (funin), it is helpful to compare it with other words related to moving and working. The Japanese language has several terms that overlap in meaning but differ in formality, scope, and nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are focusing on the physical move, the administrative transfer, or the specific job role.
- 赴任 (Funin) vs. 転勤 (Tenkin)
- 転勤 (tenkin) focuses on the administrative change of being transferred within the same company to a different office. 赴任 (funin) focuses on the act of actually going to that new office to start the work. You get a 'tenkin' order, and then you 'funin' to the new city.
- 赴任 (Funin) vs. 出張 (Shutchō)
- 出張 (shutchō) is a short-term business trip where you return to your original base. 赴任 (funin) is a long-term or permanent relocation to a new base of operations.
彼は転勤を命じられ、来週から名古屋へ赴任する。(He was ordered to transfer and will take up his post in Nagoya from next week.)
Other alternatives include 移転 (iten), which is used for the relocation of an entire office or building, and 引っ越し (hikkoshi), which is the general word for moving house. If you are a diplomat, you might use 着任 (chakunin), which specifically means 'arriving at one's post' and emphasizes the moment of arrival and taking over duties. While 赴任 covers the whole process of going and starting, 着任 is the specific point of 'reporting for duty.'
- 赴任 (Funin) vs. 配属 (Haizoku)
- 配属 (haizoku) means 'assignment' or 'being stationed,' often used for new recruits being assigned to a specific department. 赴任 is more about the physical relocation to a new geographical area for that assignment.
新しい営業所に配属が決まり、すぐに赴任の準備を始めた。(My assignment to the new sales office was decided, and I immediately began preparing to take up the post.)
In summary, 赴任 is the most professional and specific term for the journey and start of a new job role in a new location. By understanding these alternatives, you can avoid the 'one-size-fits-all' trap and speak Japanese with much greater precision and cultural awareness.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In the Edo period, samurai would 'funin' to various domains or to the capital as part of their feudal service. Today's salarymen are often compared to modern-day samurai due to this system.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'fu' with too much lip rounding like English 'foo'.
- Stress-accenting the first syllable like 'FU-nin'.
- Confusing the 'n' sound with a vowel 'i'.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are moderately difficult but common in business contexts.
The kanji 赴 can be tricky to write correctly without practice.
The pronunciation is straightforward, but knowing when to use it over 'hikkoshi' is key.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to recognize once learned.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs
赴任する (To take a post)
Passive Voice for Orders
赴任を命じられる (To be ordered to take a post)
Causative for Assignments
社員を海外に赴任させる (To make/let an employee take a post overseas)
Humble Language (Keigo)
赴任いたしました (I have taken up my post - humble)
Honorific Language (Keigo)
赴任されました (You/They have taken up a post - honorific)
Examples by Level
田中さんは東京に赴任します。
Mr. Tanaka will take up a post in Tokyo.
Basic [Subject] wa [Place] ni funin shimasu structure.
先生が新しい学校に赴任しました。
The teacher took up a post at a new school.
Past tense of funin suru.
父は大阪に赴任しています。
My father is (currently) posted in Osaka.
Using -te iru to show current state.
来月、ロンドンに赴任します。
I will take up a post in London next month.
Future intent.
どこに赴任しますか？
Where will you be posted?
Question form with 'doko'.
海外に赴任するのは大変です。
Taking a post overseas is difficult.
Using 'no wa' to make the verb a subject.
彼は昨日、赴任しました。
He took up his post yesterday.
Simple past tense.
新しい町に赴任して、うれしいです。
I am happy to take up a post in a new town.
Using -te form to show reason for emotion.
彼は三年間、アメリカに赴任することになった。
It has been decided that he will be posted to America for three years.
Using 'koto ni natta' for official decisions.
赴任の準備で忙しいです。
I am busy with preparations for taking up my post.
Using funin as a noun with the particle 'no'.
姉は海外赴任を楽しみにしています。
My older sister is looking forward to her overseas assignment.
Compound noun 'kaigai funin'.
赴任先に家を探さなければなりません。
I must look for a house at my new place of assignment.
Using 'funin-saki' (place of assignment).
彼は単身赴任をしています。
He is working away from his family (on a solo assignment).
Key term 'tanshin-funin'.
赴任の挨拶をしました。
I gave my greetings upon taking up the post.
Noun usage with 'aisatsu'.
いつ赴任しますか？
When will you take up your post?
Question form with 'itsu'.
赴任の費用は会社が払います。
The company pays for the relocation expenses.
Noun usage with 'hiyo' (expenses).
前任者に代わって、本日こちらに赴任いたしました。
I have taken up my post here today, replacing my predecessor.
Humble form 'itashimashita' for business.
彼はバンコク支店への赴任を命じられた。
He was ordered to take up a post at the Bangkok branch.
Passive form 'meijirareta' (was ordered).
赴任手当が出るので、引っ越しは安心です。
Since I get a relocation allowance, I'm not worried about moving.
Compound 'funin-teate' (allowance).
海外赴任中、現地の言葉を学びました。
While posted overseas, I learned the local language.
Using 'chū' to mean 'while/during'.
赴任期間は最低でも二年と決まっています。
The period of assignment is fixed at a minimum of two years.
Compound 'funin-kikan' (period).
彼は家族帯同でシンガポールへ赴任した。
He took up a post in Singapore accompanied by his family.
Using 'kazoku-taido' (accompanied by family).
赴任したばかりなので、まだ仕事に慣れていません。
I've just taken up my post, so I'm not used to the work yet.
Using 'bakari' to mean 'just finished doing'.
どちらの部署に赴任されるのですか？
Which department will you be posted to?
Honorific form 'sareru' for politeness.
赴任先での人間関係を築くのは時間がかかる。
It takes time to build relationships at a new place of assignment.
Noun phrase as subject.
彼は赴任早々、大きなプロジェクトを任された。
Immediately upon taking his post, he was entrusted with a major project.
Using 'sōsō' (immediately after).
今回の赴任は、彼にとって大きなキャリアアップになるだろう。
This assignment will likely be a major career boost for him.
Using 'ni totte' (for someone).
赴任に伴う諸手続きを済ませる必要がある。
It is necessary to complete various procedures associated with the assignment.
Using 'ni tomonau' (accompanying/associated with).
海外赴任者のための研修プログラムに参加した。
I participated in a training program for those being posted overseas.
Using 'sha' to mean 'person/people'.
彼は赴任を拒否し、会社を辞める道を選んだ。
He refused the assignment and chose to leave the company.
Using 'kyohi' (refusal).
赴任先の気候や文化について、事前に調査した。
I researched the climate and culture of the assignment destination in advance.
Using 'jizen ni' (in advance).
社長が自ら海外支店に赴任することになった。
It was decided that the president himself would take a post at an overseas branch.
Using 'mizukara' (himself/personally).
彼は外交官として、紛争地域への赴任を志願した。
As a diplomat, he volunteered for an assignment in a conflict zone.
Using 'shigan' (volunteer/apply).
赴任地での治安状況を考慮し、家族の帯同は見送られた。
Considering the security situation at the assignment location, family accompaniment was postponed/cancelled.
Using 'miokurareta' (postponed/waited).
新任のCEOは、改革を断行するために本社から赴任してきた。
The new CEO came from headquarters to take up the post in order to carry out reforms.
Using 'dankō' (decisive action).
赴任に伴う心理的ストレスを軽減するためのサポート体制が整っている。
A support system is in place to reduce the psychological stress associated with relocation.
Using 'keigen' (reduction/mitigation).
彼は長年の功績が認められ、最重要拠点への赴任が決定した。
His years of achievements were recognized, and his assignment to the most important base was decided.
Using 'kōseki' (achievements).
赴任先での異文化適応能力が、今後の昇進の鍵となる。
Cross-cultural adaptation skills at the assignment location will be the key to future promotions.
Using 'tekiō nōryoku' (adaptation ability).
政府は、新しい大使を駐日大使館に赴任させることを発表した。
The government announced the assignment of a new ambassador to the embassy in Japan.
Causative form 'funin saseru'.
赴任に際して、彼は多くの送別会に招かれた。
Upon his assignment, he was invited to many farewell parties.
Using 'ni saishite' (on the occasion of).
グローバル企業における赴任政策は、人材育成の根幹を成す。
Assignment policies in global companies form the basis of human resource development.
Using 'konkan o nasu' (form the basis).
赴任者のメンタルヘルス維持は、企業の危機管理における重要課題である。
Maintaining the mental health of assignees is a critical issue in corporate crisis management.
Using 'kiki kanri' (crisis management).
彼は、赴任先の市場開拓に多大な貢献を果たした。
He made a significant contribution to the market development at his place of assignment.
Using 'shijō kaitaku' (market development).
赴任に伴う家族の教育問題は、依然として深刻な障壁となっている。
Educational issues for families accompanying assignments remain a serious barrier.
Using 'shōheki' (barrier).
駐在員と現地スタッフの融和を図ることが、赴任者の第一の任務である。
Promoting harmony between expatriates and local staff is the primary mission of the assignee.
Using 'yūwa o hakaru' (aim for harmony).
赴任先での不測の事態に備え、万全の体制を敷く必要がある。
It is necessary to establish a thorough system to prepare for unforeseen circumstances at the assignment location.
Using 'fusoku no jitai' (unforeseen circumstances).
彼は赴任を機に、現地の社会貢献活動にも積極的に取り組んでいる。
Taking the assignment as an opportunity, he is also actively engaged in local social contribution activities.
Using 'o ki ni' (taking as an opportunity).
赴任命令の撤回を求める訴訟が、労働組合によって起こされた。
A lawsuit seeking the withdrawal of assignment orders was filed by the labor union.
Using 'tekkai' (withdrawal/revocation).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Formal greetings upon taking up a new post. Used as a title for emails or speeches.
皆様に赴任のご挨拶を申し上げます。
— To set out for one's new post. A slightly literary or formal expression.
彼は期待を胸に赴任の途についた。
— Immediately after taking up a post. Used to describe things that happen right away.
赴任早々、トラブルが発生した。
— A formal notification or document submitted to an organization regarding one's arrival at a post.
会社に赴任届を提出する。
— Travel expenses covered by the company for moving to a new post.
赴任旅費の精算を行う。
— To take up a post at the assigned location. A very formal way to say it.
新しい任地に赴任する。
— To take up a post suddenly or on short notice.
急遽、海外へ赴任することになった。
— To postpone taking up a post.
ビザの関係で赴任を延期した。
— One's first assignment or first time being posted somewhere.
初めての赴任で緊張している。
— The official written order for a new assignment.
赴任の辞令を受け取った。
Often Confused With
Hikkoshi is general moving; Funin is specifically for job assignments.
Tenkin is the HR transfer process; Funin is the act of going to start the job.
Shutchō is a short business trip; Funin is a long-term relocation.
Idioms & Expressions
— The land or place where one is posted. Often used with emotional weight.
そこが私の第二の故郷、赴任の地だ。
Literary— The sorrows or difficulties of working away from one's family.
単身赴任の悲哀を歌にする。
Common— Metaphor for the changes or news of a transfer blowing through an office.
春と共に赴任の風が吹いてきた。
Poetic— The heavy responsibility associated with a new post.
赴任の重責を感じている。
Formal— Memories from one's time at a specific assignment.
あの赴任の思い出は一生忘れない。
Neutral— Someone or something that accompanies you on your assignment.
愛犬が赴任の道連れだ。
Informal— A fresh start or departure for a new post.
赴任の門出を祝う。
Formal— The hardships of relocating for work.
赴任の苦労は計り知れない。
Neutral— The joy or excitement of a new assignment.
赴任の喜びを家族と分かち合う。
Neutral— The resolution or readiness to take on a new post.
厳しい赴任の覚悟を決める。
FormalEasily Confused
Both involve starting a job at a new place.
Funin focuses on the whole process of going and taking the post; Chakunin focuses specifically on the arrival and reporting for duty.
彼は三月に赴任し、四月一日に着任した。(He moved for the post in March and formally reported for duty on April 1st.)
Both involve starting a new role.
Shūnin is for taking a specific title or office (like CEO); Funin is for moving to a new geographical location for work.
彼は支店長に就任し、名古屋に赴任した。(He was appointed branch manager and took up his post in Nagoya.)
Both involve moving.
Iten is used for offices or buildings moving; Funin is for people moving for their job.
本社が移転したので、私も新しいオフィスに赴任した。(Since the HQ moved, I also took up my post at the new office.)
Both involve job assignments.
Haizoku is the administrative assignment to a department; Funin is the physical move to a new location.
海外事業部に配属され、すぐにパリへ赴任した。(I was assigned to the overseas department and immediately took up a post in Paris.)
Both involve being at a work location.
Chūzai refers to the state of being stationed somewhere (often long-term); Funin is the act of going there to start.
五年間のロンドン駐在を終え、帰国した。(I returned home after finishing a five-year stint stationed in London.)
Sentence Patterns
[Place] に 赴任する
東京に赴任する。
[Place] への 赴任が 決まる
ロンドンへの赴任が決まった。
[Place] に 赴任を 命じられる
大阪に赴任を命じられた。
赴任に 伴って [Action]
赴任に伴って引っ越しをする。
赴任を 機に [Change]
赴任を機に車を買った。
赴任地での [Noun]
赴任地での生活を楽しむ。
赴任に 際しての [Noun]
赴任に際しての諸手続き。
赴任政策の [Noun]
赴任政策の見直し。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional and educational settings.
-
Using 赴任 for moving to a new house for fun.
→
引っ越し (Hikkoshi)
赴任 is only for work assignments.
-
Using 赴任 for a short business trip.
→
出張 (Shutchō)
赴任 is for long-term relocation, not short trips.
-
Using the particle を with 赴任.
→
に or へ
You move *to* a post, so use the direction particles.
-
Using 赴任 for a student moving to college.
→
引っ越し (Hikkoshi)
赴任 requires a professional duty or office.
-
Using 赴任 when you mean the HR transfer process.
→
転勤 (Tenkin)
Tenkin is the transfer; Funin is the act of going to the post.
Tips
The Salaryman's Path
In Japan, a 'funin' order is often a sign that the company trusts you with more responsibility. It is a key part of the career ladder.
Suru-Verb Usage
Remember that 'funin' is a noun that needs 'suru' to become a verb. 'Funin shimasu' is the standard way to say 'I will take up my post'.
Kaigai Funin
This is a very common phrase. If you work in a global company, you will hear this often regarding colleagues moving abroad.
Greetings
When someone 赴任s to your office, it is polite to welcome them. When you 赴任, you must give a formal greeting (aisatsu).
Not Just Moving
Always remember the 'duty' aspect. If there's no job waiting, it's not 'funin'.
Email Subjects
A common email subject for a new manager is '赴任のご挨拶' (Greetings upon taking up my post).
Particle Cues
Listen for 'ni' or 'e' after a city name. 'Osaka ni funin...' clearly indicates a work move to Osaka.
Fu-Nin
Think: 'Fu' (Future) + 'Nin' (New Job). You are going to your future new job.
Company Housing
赴任 often involves moving into company-provided housing (shataku). This is a common part of the 'funin' experience.
Preparation
赴任の準備 (funin no junbi) is a common phrase for all the paperwork and packing involved in a work move.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Fu' as 'Future' and 'Nin' as 'Ninja'. You are going to your 'Future' job as a 'Ninja' (worker) in a new city.
Visual Association
Imagine a businessman standing on a bridge, looking at a new city skyline with a 'Job Assignment' paper in his hand.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 赴任 (funin) in a sentence describing where you would like to be posted if you worked for a global company.
Word Origin
Composed of two kanji: 赴 (fu) meaning 'to go/proceed' and 任 (nin) meaning 'duty/office'. It has been used since the pre-modern era in Japan to describe officials traveling to their assigned provinces.
Original meaning: To proceed to one's place of duty or office.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Cultural Context
Be sensitive when discussing 'tanshin-funin,' as it can be a source of family stress or loneliness for the person involved.
In English, we usually just say 'transfer' or 'assignment.' 'Funin' is more specific about the act of going to the new place.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Corporate Transfer
- 赴任の辞令
- 赴任手当
- 赴任先での仕事
- 赴任の挨拶
Diplomacy
- 大使館に赴任する
- 任地に赴く
- 赴任の途につく
- 着任の挨拶
Education
- 新しい学校に赴任する
- 先生の赴任
- 赴任してきた先生
- 赴任期間
Family Discussion
- 単身赴任にする
- 家族で赴任する
- 赴任の準備
- 赴任先の学校
News/Media
- 海外赴任の増加
- 赴任命令
- 赴任地の治安
- 赴任者のメンタルヘルス
Conversation Starters
"どちらの支店に赴任される予定ですか？ (Which branch are you scheduled to be posted to?)"
"海外赴任の経験はありますか？ (Do you have experience with overseas assignments?)"
"赴任の準備で一番大変なことは何ですか？ (What is the hardest part of preparing for an assignment?)"
"単身赴任についてどう思われますか？ (What are your thoughts on 'tanshin-funin'?)"
"赴任先での新しい生活には慣れましたか？ (Have you gotten used to your new life at your place of assignment?)"
Journal Prompts
もし海外に赴任するとしたら、どこの国に行きたいですか？その理由も書いてください。 (If you were to be posted overseas, which country would you want to go to? Write the reasons why.)
赴任（ふにん）という言葉から、どのようなイメージを持ちますか？ (What kind of image do you have from the word 'funin'?)
仕事で新しい場所に赴任することのメリットとデメリットを考えてください。 (Consider the merits and demerits of being posted to a new place for work.)
単身赴任をしている家族への手紙を書いてみましょう。 (Try writing a letter to a family member who is on a solo assignment.)
新しい赴任先で、最初に何をしたいですか？ (What is the first thing you want to do at a new place of assignment?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'funin' implies you already have the job and the company is sending you there. Use 'hikkoshi' or 'tenshu' instead.
No, it is strictly professional. Students should use 'hikkoshi' or 'shingaku' related terms.
'Kaigai funin' is the act of going to the overseas post. 'Kaigai chūzai' is the state of living and working there as an expat.
It is rarely used for part-time jobs. It is a formal term usually reserved for full-time employees or officials.
It is viewed as a sacrifice for the company. While it allows for career progression, it is often discussed as a difficult emotional burden.
The word itself means 'proceeding to the post,' but in context, it often encompasses the whole relocation process.
Use '東京に赴任いたしました' (Tōkyō ni funin itashimashita).
Yes, it can be used for officials or officers taking up a post at a new base, though military-specific terms also exist.
It is a 'relocation allowance' paid by the company to cover the costs of moving to a new post.
Usually, 'funin' implies a significant enough distance to be considered a 'relocation,' but it can be used if you are moving to a specific new station or office.
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Summary
赴任 (funin) is the formal Japanese term for taking up a new professional post. Unlike a simple move, it implies a mandate from an organization. Example: 'He was posted to the Paris office' is '彼はパリ支局に赴任した' (Kare wa Pari shikyoku ni funin shita).
- 赴任 (funin) refers specifically to the professional act of moving to a new location to take up a job post assigned by an employer.
- It is commonly used as a suru-verb (赴任する) and is essential for describing corporate transfers, diplomatic postings, and teacher rotations in Japan.
- The word distinguishes itself from personal moves (hikkoshi) and short business trips (shutchō) by focusing on long-term, duty-bound relocation.
- Key related terms include 'kaigai-funin' (overseas assignment) and 'tanshin-funin' (working away from family), reflecting significant aspects of Japanese work culture.
The Salaryman's Path
In Japan, a 'funin' order is often a sign that the company trusts you with more responsibility. It is a key part of the career ladder.
Suru-Verb Usage
Remember that 'funin' is a noun that needs 'suru' to become a verb. 'Funin shimasu' is the standard way to say 'I will take up my post'.
Kaigai Funin
This is a very common phrase. If you work in a global company, you will hear this often regarding colleagues moving abroad.
Greetings
When someone 赴任s to your office, it is polite to welcome them. When you 赴任, you must give a formal greeting (aisatsu).
Example
彼は来月から海外へ赴任することになりました。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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知人
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顔見知り
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養親
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