Translation guide
The concept of making changes to something, often to improve or adjust it. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for alteration in various contexts, from physical modifications to abstract changes.
Changing the form, shape, or structure of a physical object, such as clothing, buildings, or documents.
General term for change or modification, used for plans, schedules, rules, and physical objects. Very common and versatile.
書類の変更をお願いします。
Please make the alteration to the document.
デザインの変更が必要です。
An alteration to the design is necessary.
Correction or revision, implying fixing errors or improving something. Often used for documents, data, or plans.
この文章を修正してください。
Please make an alteration to this text.
データの修正が完了しました。
The alteration of the data has been completed.
Remodeling or restructuring, often for physical objects like buildings, vehicles, or machines. Implies a significant change.
家を改造する計画です。
We have a plan for the alteration of the house.
車を改造してキャンピングカーにした。
I altered the car into a camper van.
Minor adjustment or touch-up, often for clothing or small fixes. Casual and implies a quick alteration.
スーツの手直しをお願いします。
Please make an alteration to the suit.
ちょっと手直しすれば完璧だ。
It'll be perfect with a little alteration.
Alteration or modification, often used in formal or technical contexts, such as legal documents or systems. Can imply a fundamental change.
法律の改変が議論されている。
Alterations to the law are being discussed.
Specifically adjusting the fit or style of garments.
Polite term for clothing alterations, commonly used in tailor shops. The prefix 'お' adds politeness.
このズボンのお直しはいくらですか？
How much is the alteration for these pants?
お直しに一週間かかります。
The alteration will take a week.
Re-tailoring or remaking clothes, often involving significant changes like resizing or restyling.
Size adjustment, specifically for altering the measurements of clothing.
サイズ直しは無料ですか？
Is the size alteration free?
Modifying non-physical things like plans, opinions, or conditions.
Change or alteration in state or condition. Often used for natural or gradual changes.
気候の変化が激しい。
The alteration in climate is drastic.
彼の態度に変化が見られた。
There was an alteration in his attitude.
Revision or alteration of rules, prices, or systems, often in official contexts.
Transformation or metamorphosis, implying a profound alteration in form or nature. Often used in literary or academic contexts.
Small, often temporary changes or tweaks.
Adjustment or regulation, often for fine-tuning settings, schedules, or balances.
音量の調整をお願いします。
Please make an alteration to the volume.
スケジュールの調整が必要だ。
An alteration to the schedule is needed.
Fine-tuning or minor adjustment, emphasizing precision.
変更 (henkou) is a general change, often for plans or rules. 修正 (shuusei) implies correcting errors. 改造 (kaizou) is for physical remodeling or restructuring. Choose based on whether you are changing, fixing, or remodeling.
The English word 'alteration' can often be translated directly, but in many contexts, Japanese uses more specific verbs like 直す (naosu, to fix) or 変える (kaeru, to change). Avoid overusing 変更 when a simpler verb fits better.
この服を直してください。
Please alter this clothing. (natural)
古い着物を仕立て直してドレスにした。
I altered an old kimono into a dress.
料金の改定が発表された。
An alteration of the fees was announced.
社会の変容を研究している。
I am studying the alteration of society.
色の微調整をしました。
I made a minor alteration to the color.