異動する

• Reading: いどうする
• Romaji: idou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 異 (i) — different, unusual; 動 (dō) — move, motion
• Pronunciation: /i.doː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To transfer; to be reassigned to a different position or department.

A workplace term for personnel changes such as department transfers, promotions, or relocations within an organisation. Distinct from 移動する (to physically move). 異動 specifically refers to changes in job assignment. Very common in Japanese corporate culture, where spring transfers (春の人事異動) are a major annual event.

Examples

1. 来月、大阪の支社に異動することになった。 It's been decided that I'll transfer to the Osaka branch next month.
2. 人事異動の発表は毎年三月に行われる。 The announcement of personnel transfers takes place every year in March.
3. 彼は営業部から企画部に異動した。 He transferred from the sales department to the planning department.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, human resources, corporate

Tone: businesslike

Origin & History

Compound of 異 (i, different/change) + 動 (dō, move). Literally 'different movement,' meaning a change in one's assigned role or location within an organisation.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional