Translation and Meaning of: 移住 - ijyuu

The Japanese word 移住 (いじゅう, ijū) is a term that frequently appears in discussions about global mobility, population changes, and even in more personal contexts, such as the decision to move to another country. If you have ever researched immigration in Japan or how to say migration in Japanese, you have probably come across this kanji. In this article, we will explore its etymology, meaning, how it is used in daily life, and even some tips for memorizing it efficiently. Additionally, you will discover how this word connects with current issues, such as immigration policies and social trends in Japan.

If you're studying Japanese, you may have already noticed that Suki Nihongo is one of the largest online dictionaries for this language, and here you can also find practical examples to use in memorization programs like Anki. But before we dive into the details, how about thinking about how 移住 can be applied in real situations? Imagine someone saying: "日本に移住するつもりです" (Nihon ni ijū suru tsumori desu) – "I plan to move to Japan." This sentence sounds natural and is used by many foreigners who plan to live in the country.

Origin and etymology of 移住

The word 移住 is composed of two kanji: 移 (い, i), which means "to move" or "to transfer", and 住 (じゅう, jū), which refers to "to live" or "to reside". Together, they form the concept of "relocation", whether within a country or between nations. Interestingly, the kanji 移 also appears in words like 移動 (いどう, idō), which means "movement", while 住 is used in terms like 住所 (じゅうしょ, jūsho), which means "address".

From a historical perspective, the idea of migration has always been relevant in Japan, whether due to economic reasons, natural disasters, or even government policies. During the Edo period, for example, control over mobility was strict, but after the Meiji Restoration, the flow of people increased significantly. Today, 移住 is a term that has gained even more traction with the increase of foreign workers in the country and programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker, which facilitate immigration to certain areas of work.

Lies in everyday life and current context

In modern Japan, 移住 is not limited to just foreigners. Many Japanese also use this term when referring to internal moves, such as leaving Tokyo to live in the countryside – a movement known as 田舎移住 (いなかいじゅう, inaka ijū). If you follow news about Japan, you may have seen reports discussing the aging population and how some cities are encouraging migration to revitalize rural areas.

Another interesting point is that 移住 often appears in searches related to visas for Japan or how to live in Japan legally. If you’re thinking about making this transition, it’s worth researching terms like 永住権 (えいじゅうけん, eijūken) – permanent residency visa – or 移住支援 (いじゅうしえん, ijū shien) – immigrant support programs. These connections show how the word is directly linked to bureaucratic and social issues.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

If you're struggling to remember how to write 移住, a helpful technique is to associate the first kanji (移) with something that moves, like a train (電車), and the second (住) with a house (家). Imagine someone taking a train to move to a new home – this image can help reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to practice with real sentences, such as "彼は海外移住を考えている" (Kare wa kaigai ijū o kangaete iru) – "He is thinking about emigrating abroad".

A cultural curiosity is that in Japan, there are even reality shows and documentaries that follow families or individuals in the process of 移住, showing the challenges and rewards of starting a life in a new place. If you want to practice your listening skills, it's worth looking for these contents – besides learning the word in context, you also pick up a bit of the local accent and colloquial expressions.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

転居 (tenkyo) - Change of residence.
移り住む (utsurisumu) - Moving to live in another place.
移転 (iten) - Change of location or transfer, usually associated with an office or establishment move.
移動する (idō suru) - To move or to travel from one place to another, without necessarily changing residence.
移住する (ijū suru) - Move to live permanently in another place, often referred to as a longer migration.