How to say "reset" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 組み替えるくみかえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'reset' only in the sense of taking components or members apart and recombining them — rearranging class groupings, recomposing a structure, recombining genes. It is seldom the word for resetting devices or settings.
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe loanword for resetting a computer, machine, game or system to its starting state — the word you want for the button-press sense. Figuratively it also covers mentally starting fresh.
- 元に戻すもとにもどすexpression, godan verbCovers 'reset' in the sense of restoring something to its original state — undoing changes, putting things back as they were, or returning a discussion to an earlier point. The emphasis is on going back.
- 再設定さいせっていnoun, suru verbCovers 'reset' in the sense of setting something up again — reestablishing a configuration, as with resetting a password. It is about redoing the settings themselves, not about restarting a machine.
- 組み直すくみなおすgodan verbIts 'reset' sense means redoing the way something is put together — rescheduling a plan, recomposing a group, even recrossing one's legs. For devices, passwords or settings it is seldom the word you want.
Use 「リセット」 for resetting devices and systems, 再設定 for redoing settings such as a password, 「元に戻す」 for restoring something to its original state, and 「組み替える」 or 「組み直す」 for resetting by rearranging parts or members.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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