How to say "renovation" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbFor renovating a house or apartment — repairing, redecorating and refurbishing an existing home to make it comfortable and attractive again — this is the word you want.
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbRenewal or overhaul: updating or revamping something such as a shop, website or facility so it feels fresh and new, rather than construction work on a dwelling.
- 刷新さっしんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbIts 'renovation' is figurative: this word means reform, a sweeping renewal of an organization, administration or approach, and is seldom what you want for renovating a building.
- 更新こうしんnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbPrimarily renewal or update: refreshing data, records, software or a contract, or replacing something with a newer version; its 'renovation' sense is marginal, so choose another word for buildings.
- 改造かいぞうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRemodeling or reconstruction: substantially altering the structure of a building, vehicle or machine, including converting it to a different use or layout, rather than just freshening it up.
Use 「リフォーム」 for renovating a house or other building, 「リニューアル」 for revamping shops, websites or facilities, 改造 for structural remodeling or conversion, while 刷新 means reforming organizations and 更新 means updating or renewing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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