How to say "repair" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 直すなおすgodan verb, transitive verbThe basic verb for fixing: repairing or mending a broken thing, and also correcting a mistake or bad habit — a sense none of the other words here covers.
- 修理しゅうりnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general noun for repair, especially of machines, appliances, and vehicles; it also covers servicing. Use it when you mean repair as a task or job.
- 改修かいしゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRepair combined with improvement or upgrading, typically of larger structures and facilities such as roads, bridges, and public buildings; the work leaves the thing better, not just working.
- 補修ほしゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRepair of a damaged part: patching or mending it rather than redoing the whole; typical of small repairs to walls, roads, and the like.
- 修繕しゅうぜんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRepair and mending as upkeep: fixing a house, building, or equipment to keep it in good condition; also used for mending clothes and similar items.
「直す」 is the verb for fixing things or correcting mistakes; 修理 is the all-purpose noun for repairs, especially to machines; 改修, 補修, and 修繕 are nouns for repair work with distinct shades of meaning: improvement, patching, and upkeep.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 直すなおすto repair
- 修理しゅうりrepair
- 改修かいしゅうrepair
- 補修ほしゅうrepair
- 修繕しゅうぜんrepair
- 修復しゅうふくrestoration
- 手入れていれcare
- 繕うつくろうto mend
- リフォームrenovation (e.g. a house)
- リニューアルrenewal
- リペアrepair
- 修築しゅうちくrepair
- 繕いつくろいmending
- 形成けいせいrepair (e.g. with plastic surgery)
- つぐto patch (clothes)
- 直しなおしmending
- 修めるおさめるto repair (a fault one has committed)
- 取り繕うとりつくろうto mend
- 修するしゅうするto fix
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
