引っ越し

• Reading: ひっこし
• Romaji: hikkoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 引 (hik) — pull, draw; 越 (ko) — cross over, move beyond
• Pronunciation: /hik.ko.ɕi/

Meaning

Moving; relocation. The act of changing one's residence or workplace.

Functions as both a noun and a suru-verb (引っ越しする or 引っ越す = to move). In Japan, the moving season peaks in March and April due to school and fiscal year transitions. Common phrases include 引っ越し業者 (moving company) and 引っ越し祝い (housewarming gift).

Examples

1. 来月東京に引っ越しをする予定です。 I'm planning to move to Tokyo next month.
2. 引っ越しの準備で毎日忙しいです。 I've been busy every day getting ready for the move.
3. 友達が引っ越しを手伝ってくれました。 My friend helped me move.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, daily life, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 引く (to pull) and 越す (to cross over). The image is of pulling one's belongings across to a new location.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal