移行

• Reading: いこう
• Romaji: ikou
• Kanji breakdown: 移 (i) — move, transfer, shift; 行 (kou/gyou) — go, carry out, conduct
• Pronunciation: /i.koː/

Meaning

Transition; shift; migration. Moving from one state, system, or phase to another.

A noun and suru-verb used to describe a transition or shift from one state to another. Common in technology (system migration), politics (transfer of power), and business (transitioning processes). Often appears as 移行する (ikou suru, to transition) or 移行期 (ikouki, transition period). More formal than 変わる (kawaru, to change) and implies a deliberate, structured process.

Examples

1. 来月から新しいシステムに移行する予定だ。 We're planning to transition to a new system starting next month.
2. デジタル化への移行が急速に進んでいる。 The shift toward digitalization is progressing rapidly.
3. 移行期間中は多少の混乱が予想される。 Some degree of disruption is expected during the transition period.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, business, government, systems

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 移 (i, move/transfer) + 行 (kou, go/carry out). Literally 'move and go' — to shift from one place or state to another.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal