移民

いみん

emigrant, immigrant

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 移民

The word 移民 (yí mín) primarily means 'to immigrate' or 'to move to another country to live.' It combines , meaning 'to move or shift,' and , meaning 'people or citizens.'

Usage in Conversation

移民 is often used when discussing migration for better opportunities, government policies, or family decisions. It usually refers to permanent or long-term relocation rather than temporary travel.

Common Collocations

  • 移民 (immigrate abroad): used when specifying moving to a foreign country.
  • 移民政策 (immigration policy): refers to government rules about immigration.
  • 移民家庭 (immigrant family): describes a family that has immigrated.

Nuances and Tips

When using 移民, the focus is on the act of moving and settling in a new country. It differs from 旅游 (travel) or (going abroad) because it implies a permanent or semi-permanent change of residence. Avoid confusing 移民 with , which can mean moving residence but not necessarily crossing national borders.

Summary

Use 移民 when talking about immigration in a serious, often legal or social context. It is a formal term common in news, government, and personal life discussions about relocating internationally.

Example Sentences

Many people choose to immigrate abroad to seek a better life.

The government introduced new policies to encourage high-skilled talents to

Their whole family decided to immigrate to Canada and start a new life.