How to say "preservation" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 保存ほぞんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe most general word for preservation: keeping something from being lost, damaged, spoiled, or altered — documents, food, digital data — and it also covers saving or storing files.
- 維持いじnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers preservation as keeping something in its existing state — maintaining order, health, or standards; for preserving objects or records from decay it is not the word you want.
- 保全ほぜんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbPreservation as active safeguarding of something valuable — conservation of the natural environment, maintenance of safety, or the integrity of data; the emphasis is on protecting something from threats rather than simply keeping it.
- 温存おんぞんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbPreservation in the sense of keeping something unused and in reserve — conserving one's strength, funds, or resources for later; not the word for preserving objects, buildings, or records.
- 保持ほじnoun, suru verb, transitive verbPreservation as continued retention: holding on to a record, a title, a quality, or balance over time; closer to retention and maintenance than to protecting something from harm.
Choose 保存 for general keeping or saving of things and data, 維持 for sustaining a state, 保全 for safeguarding nature, safety or data, 温存 for keeping resources in reserve, and 保持 for retaining records, titles or qualities.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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