In 15 Seconds
- Internal job transfer within the same company or organization.
- Neutral tone used for professional relocations or department changes.
- Different from quitting; you stay with the same employer.
Meaning
It describes moving to a different position or location within the same company. Think of it as a job transfer where your boss changes, but your paycheck still comes from the same place.
Key Examples
3 of 6Announcing a move to a friend
下个月我要调职去上海分公司了。
I'm being transferred to the Shanghai branch next month.
In a formal HR meeting
公司决定将他调职到市场部。
The company decided to transfer him to the marketing department.
Texting a former colleague
听说你调职了？恭喜啊！
I heard you got transferred? Congrats!
Cultural Background
In China's massive state-owned enterprises and civil service, 'diaozhi' is a routine part of a career path intended to prevent local corruption and build versatile leaders. It became a household term as the economy modernized and companies opened branches across the country, requiring staff to relocate frequently.
The 'Passive' Secret
In Chinese, transfers are often something done *to* you. Use `被` (bèi) before `调职` to sound like a native when the company made the decision.
Not for New Jobs
Don't use this if you're starting at a brand new company. That's `入职` (rùzhí). `调职` is strictly an 'inside job'!
In 15 Seconds
- Internal job transfer within the same company or organization.
- Neutral tone used for professional relocations or department changes.
- Different from quitting; you stay with the same employer.
What It Means
调职 is the standard way to say someone is getting transferred. It is not about quitting or getting fired. It is about a change in your professional coordinates. You might be moving to a new city. You might just be moving to the marketing department. Either way, you are still part of the same big family.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a verb or a noun. You can say 他被调职了 (He was transferred). It sounds very objective and professional. It is like describing a chess piece moving to a new square. You do not need fancy grammar here. Just state the fact. It is great for updates on LinkedIn or telling your parents why you are moving.
When To Use It
Use this in the office or when talking about careers. If a colleague disappears from their desk, ask if they were 调职. It is perfect for formal announcements. It also works when you are the one asking for a change. You can tell your HR manager you are interested in a 调职. It sounds much more professional than saying you are bored of your current desk.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 调职 if you are jumping to a totally different company. That is 跳槽 (job hopping). Also, do not use it for a promotion. If you are moving up, use 升职. 调职 is neutral. It does not necessarily mean a raise. It might just mean a change of scenery. Using it for a demotion is also a bit of a polite euphemism, but usually, it implies a lateral move.
Cultural Background
In Chinese corporate culture, a 调职 can be a big deal. It often involves moving to a different province. Large state-owned enterprises move people around to give them broad experience. Sometimes, a 调职 to a remote branch is a test of loyalty. Other times, it is a reward to work in a Tier-1 city like Shanghai. It is a word that carries the weight of a life change.
Common Variations
You will often hear 岗位调动. This is even more formal. It refers to the 'movement of the post.' In casual talk, people might just say 调走了. This means 'transferred away.' If you are talking about the paperwork, you might hear 调令. That is the official transfer order. It sounds a bit like a military command!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal term. It is best used in professional contexts or when discussing career logistics. Avoid using it for casual tasks or temporary shifts.
The 'Passive' Secret
In Chinese, transfers are often something done *to* you. Use `被` (bèi) before `调职` to sound like a native when the company made the decision.
Not for New Jobs
Don't use this if you're starting at a brand new company. That's `入职` (rùzhí). `调职` is strictly an 'inside job'!
The 'Golden' Transfer
In some circles, being transferred to a 'fat department' (油水多的部门) like procurement is a sign of high favor, even if the title doesn't change.
Examples
6下个月我要调职去上海分公司了。
I'm being transferred to the Shanghai branch next month.
Uses the phrase to explain a relocation.
公司决定将他调职到市场部。
The company decided to transfer him to the marketing department.
A standard professional announcement.
听说你调职了？恭喜啊！
I heard you got transferred? Congrats!
Casual way to acknowledge a friend's career move.
再不努力，老板要把你调职 to 传达室了。
If you don't work harder, the boss will transfer you to the mailroom.
Using the term to joke about a demotion.
他调职后，办公室感觉冷清多了。
Since he was transferred, the office feels much emptier.
Focuses on the emotional impact of the transfer.
我想申请调职到海外部门。
I would like to apply for a transfer to the overseas department.
Using the term in a formal request.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to describe moving to a new department in the same company.
因为表现出色，他被___到了总部工作。
`调职` means transfer, while `辞职` means resign and `罢工` means strike.
Complete the sentence regarding a move to another city for work.
我不想离开北京，所以我拒绝了这次___。
The context of not wanting to leave a city implies a transfer (`调职`), not a promotion (`升职`) or starting a new job (`入职`).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Professionalism Scale
Talking to friends about a move.
调走了
Standard office conversation.
调职
Official HR documents.
岗位调动
When to use 调职
New City
Moving to the branch office.
New Dept
Moving from Sales to HR.
HR Talk
Discussing internal moves.
Updating your work status.
Practice Bank
2 exercises因为表现出色，他被___到了总部工作。
`调职` means transfer, while `辞职` means resign and `罢工` means strike.
我不想离开北京，所以我拒绝了这次___。
The context of not wanting to leave a city implies a transfer (`调职`), not a promotion (`升职`) or starting a new job (`入职`).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It's a neutral term for a lateral move. If you got promoted, use 升职 (shēngzhí).
It's usually reserved for full-time professional roles. For casual jobs, people just say 换岗 (huàngǎng).
It depends on the context! It can be a great opportunity or a 'polite' way to move someone out of a key role.
You can say 我想申请调职 (Wǒ xiǎng shēnqǐng diàozhí).
调动 (diàodòng) is more general and can apply to moving troops or resources, while 调职 is specific to job roles.
Yes, it's perfect for emails. Example: 关于我的调职申请... (Regarding my transfer application...).
Yes, as long as it's within the same company. If you're moving cities for a *new* company, use 换工作.
Very common in any professional or office setting in China.
No, 调职 only refers to the position. Salary changes are discussed separately.
Yes, teachers being moved between schools in the same district often use 调动 or 调职.
Related Phrases
升职
Promotion
辞职
To resign
入职
To start a new job
外派
To be sent abroad/on an assignment
