An internal job transfer or reassignment within the same organization.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Changing departments or office locations within the same company.
- Commonly used in professional Japanese business settings.
- Refers to internal personnel changes, not leaving the company.
Overview
「異動する」は、組織内での所属部署や勤務地が変更されることを意味するビジネス用語です。単なる転職（会社を変えること）とは異なり、同じ組織内での配置換えを指すのが特徴です。2) Usage Patterns: 「〜へ異動する」「〜に異動する」という形で、新しい配属先を伴って使われることが一般的です。また、「来月から営業部へ異動することになりました」のように、決定事項を報告する際によく用いられます。3) Common Contexts: 大企業や公的機関では、数年ごとに定期的な人事異動が行われることが多く、同僚や上司との会話で日常的に耳にする言葉です。辞令が出た際や、送別会・歓迎会の文脈で頻繁に使われます。4) Similar Words comparison: 「転勤」は「勤務地（場所）」が変わることに焦点がありますが、「異動」は「部署（役割）」の変化も含むため、より広い範囲を指します。「転職」は会社そのものを変えるため、意味が全く異なります。ビジネスシーンでは、異動はキャリア形成の一部としてポジティブに捉えられることもあれば、環境の変化として捉えられることもあります。
Examples
来月から営業部に異動することになりました。
everydayI will be transferred to the sales department starting next month.
人事異動の内示を受けた。
formalI received an informal notice of personnel transfer.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
異動の辞令
Official notice of transfer
定期異動
Regular seasonal transfer
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to changing the location of work, such as moving to a different city branch.
Refers to quitting one company to work for a completely different employer.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word primarily in professional or corporate settings. It is a neutral term for internal changes. Avoid using it for changes outside of your organization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'tenshoku' (changing companies). Remember that 'ido' is strictly internal. Also, ensure you use the correct particle 'ni' or 'e' to indicate the destination.
Tips
Use with destination particles
Always specify the new department or location using 'ni' or 'e'. For example, 'Eigyo-bu ni ido suru' (transfer to the sales department).
Don't confuse with 'tenshoku'
Ensure you don't use 'ido' when you mean leaving your company for another. 'Tenshoku' is for changing employers, while 'ido' is internal.
Japanese corporate structure
In Japan, frequent internal transfers are common to train employees in various skills. It is considered a normal part of a long-term career.
Word Origin
The kanji '異' means 'different' and '動' means 'move'. Together, they describe the action of moving to a different position within an organization.
Cultural Context
In Japanese corporate culture, internal transfers are seen as a way to develop 'generalists' who understand various aspects of the business. This is why employees are rotated periodically.
Memory Tip
Think of 'I' (me) + 'Do' (moving) = I am moving within the company. It helps to visualize yourself walking from one department desk to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「転勤」は主に勤務地が変わることを指しますが、「異動」は部署や役割が変わることも含みます。したがって、同じビル内での部署変更も「異動」ですが、それを「転勤」とは呼びません。
いいえ、全く異なります。「異動」は会社の中での配置換えですが、「転職」は会社を辞めて別の会社に移ることです。
人事発表があった時や、同僚に自分の新しい配属先を伝える際に使います。ビジネスの公式な場面でも日常会話でも使用可能です。
Test Yourself
来月から人事部___異動することになりました。
異動の目的地を示す場合は「に」または「へ」を使います。
Score: /1
Summary
An internal job transfer or reassignment within the same organization.
- Changing departments or office locations within the same company.
- Commonly used in professional Japanese business settings.
- Refers to internal personnel changes, not leaving the company.
Use with destination particles
Always specify the new department or location using 'ni' or 'e'. For example, 'Eigyo-bu ni ido suru' (transfer to the sales department).
Don't confuse with 'tenshoku'
Ensure you don't use 'ido' when you mean leaving your company for another. 'Tenshoku' is for changing employers, while 'ido' is internal.
Japanese corporate structure
In Japan, frequent internal transfers are common to train employees in various skills. It is considered a normal part of a long-term career.
Examples
2 of 2来月から営業部に異動することになりました。
I will be transferred to the sales department starting next month.
人事異動の内示を受けた。
I received an informal notice of personnel transfer.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
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B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
