遷 (qiān) - To move, migrate, transfer & to change, shift

遷Tone 1

qiān ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

遷 · qiān

To move, migrate, transfer;

to change, shift;

to demote or exile (in official context).

To move, migrate, transferto change, shiftto demote or exile (in official context).

Usage highlights

To migrateTo relocateTo move the capitalTo transferTo move houseTo change for the better

Synonyms

  • 移— to move, shift
  • 徙— to move, migrate
  • 搬— to move (more colloquial)

Antonyms

  • 留— to stay, remain
  • 驻— to be stationed, reside
  • 固— fixed, stable

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The company relocated its headquarters (公司迁址).
  • Many birds migrate south for winter (鸟类迁徙).
  • The capital was moved to a new city (迁都).
  • He was transferred to a branch office (他被迁调到分公司).

Collocations

  • To migrate(迁徙)
  • To relocate(迁移)
  • To move the capital(迁都)
  • To transfer (a post)(迁调)
  • To move house(迁居)
  • To change for the better(迁善)

Idioms

  • To move thrice for education(孟母三迁)
  • To change with the times(与时迁移)
  • To change one's mind(迁思回虑)
  • A drastic change of circumstances(情随事迁)
  • To move up in the world(迁莺出谷)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically associated with official demotion or exile in imperial China, carrying a connotation of forced movement.
  • The idiom '孟母三迁' (Mencius's mother moved three times) highlights the importance of environment in education and upbringing.
  • Reflects traditional Chinese views on adaptability and responding to changing circumstances.

FAQ