verb HSK 5
Traditional 遷
to move · to relocate · to transfer · to change residence
Meaning
迁 means to move from one place to another, especially referring to changing one's residence or relocating. It carries a somewhat formal or literary tone and often appears in compound words related to moving, migration, and changes of location.
Usage
迁 is commonly used in formal contexts and written language. In everyday speech, people more often use compound words like 搬家 (bān jiā) for moving house. 迁 frequently appears in official or literary expressions such as 迁移 (migration), 迁就 (to yield/accommodate), and 变迁 (changes/vicissitudes).
Examples
- 01由于城市发展，很多居民被要求迁到新的社区。, .Due to urban development, many residents were required to relocate to new communities.
- 02这个家族已经在这里生活了几代人，不愿意迁走。, .This family has lived here for several generations and is unwilling to move away.
Common collocations
- 迁都to relocate the capital
- 拆迁demolition and relocation
- 迁就to accommodate, to yield to
- 迁徙to migrate (of people or animals)
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 遷 contains the radical 辵 (walk/movement) and 西 (west), originally depicting the idea of moving or relocating, possibly westward migration in ancient times.