Translation guide
The English word 'mending' refers to repairing something, especially clothes, fabric, or relationships. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on what is being mended and the method used.
To fix a tear, hole, or worn area in clothing or cloth by sewing, darning, or patching.
General verb for mending clothes, especially by darning or stitching. Often used for repairing small holes or tears.
靴下の穴を繕った。
I mended a hole in my sock.
Noun meaning 'mending' or 'things to be mended'. Refers to the act or the items themselves.
繕い物がたまっている。
I have a pile of mending to do.
General verb for fixing or repairing anything, including clothes. Less specific than 繕う, but very common.
このズボン、直せますか？
Can you mend these trousers?
To patch or put a patch on. Used when mending by attaching a piece of fabric over a hole.
ひざの部分に布を継ぎ当てた。
I patched the knee area with a cloth.
To restore a damaged relationship, heal a rift, or reconcile after a disagreement.
Formal phrase meaning 'to repair a relationship'. Used in serious contexts like diplomacy or counseling.
両国の関係を修復するのは容易ではない。
Mending relations between the two countries is not easy.
Common, casual phrase for making up after a quarrel. Suitable for personal relationships.
友達と喧嘩したけど、仲直りした。
I had a fight with my friend, but we made up.
Literary expression meaning 'to resolve hard feelings' or 'clear the air'. Used for deep emotional rifts.
長年のわだかまりを解くために話し合った。
We talked to mend the long-standing rift.
To fix or repair a broken item, not limited to fabric.
Standard verb for repairing machines, electronics, or structures. Not typically used for clothes.
壊れた時計を修理に出した。
I sent the broken watch for mending.
Casual, all-purpose verb for fixing anything. Can be used for objects, clothes, or even abstract things.
おもちゃを直してあげる。
I'll mend the toy for you.
To improve one's conduct, reform, or correct bad habits.
Formal phrase meaning 'to mend one's ways' or 'reform one's behavior'.
彼は行いを改めると約束した。
He promised to mend his ways.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to turn over a new leaf' or 'reform oneself'.
心を入れ替えて真面目に働く。
I'll mend my ways and work seriously.
While 直す can mean 'fix', it sounds unnatural for relationships. Use 修復する or 仲直りする instead.
繕う specifically implies sewing or darning, often for small fabric repairs. 直す is broader and can include replacing zippers, buttons, etc. In casual speech, 直す is more common.