Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Transfer" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "transfer", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
振り込む
ふりこむ (furikomu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
転移
てんい (teni)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "transfer" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 振り込む and 転移.
In Japanese, 振り込む (ふりこむ (furikomu)) is typically associated with "to transfer money (to a bank account)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Specifically refers to depositing money into someone else's bank account, often for payments or remittances. It's a common method for paying bills or online purchases in Japan..
On the other hand, 転移 (てんい (teni)) maps to "transfer, metastasis (medical), shift" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies movement or transfer from one place/state to another. Notably used in medicine for cancer metastasis. Can also mean psychological transference.. A literal translation of "transfer" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "振り込む"
家賃を銀行口座に振り込んだ。
I transferred the rent money to the bank account.
Bilingual Context for "転移"
がん細胞が他の臓器に転移した。
Cancer cells metastasized to other organs.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "家賃を銀行口座に振り込んだ。" (Meaning: "I transferred the rent money to the bank account.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "振り込む" fits here because it means "to transfer money (to a bank account)" in the context of: "I transferred the rent money to the bank account.". "転移" represents "transfer, metastasis (medical), shift".