Translation guide
The English word "modification" covers a range of changes, adjustments, and alterations. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being modified and the nature of the change. This guide organizes the main practical meanings for learners.
To express making a change to something, often to improve it or adapt it.
The most common and versatile word for 'change' or 'modification'. Used for plans, schedules, settings, rules, etc.
スケジュールを変更しました。
I modified the schedule.
設定を変更する必要があります。
You need to modify the settings.
Implies correcting or fixing something, often used for errors, documents, or plans.
誤字を修正してください。
Please correct the typos.
計画を修正する。
Modify the plan (to fix issues).
Often used for altering or modifying something in a significant way, sometimes with a negative connotation of tampering. Common in legal or technical contexts.
データの改変は禁止されています。
Modification of data is prohibited.
To express making small changes to improve function or fit.
Means 'adjustment' or 'tuning'. Used for mechanical settings, volume, schedules, etc.
音量を調整してください。
Please adjust the volume.
スケジュールを微調整する。
Make minor modifications to the schedule.
Implies making small corrections or touch-ups, often by hand. Used for documents, designs, or physical objects.
To express modifying something to suit specific needs or preferences.
Loanword from English, widely used for software, cars, etc.
このアプリは自由にカスタマイズできます。
You can freely modify this app.
Often used for physical modifications, like remodeling a car or room. Can imply a major overhaul.
To express how a word or phrase is modified by another element in a sentence.
The standard grammatical term for 'modification'. A noun is modified by an adjective, etc.
形容詞が名詞を修飾する。
An adjective modifies a noun.
変更 (henkou) is a general change. 修正 (shuusei) implies correction of an error. 調整 (chousei) is adjustment or fine-tuning. Use 変更 for most neutral 'modifications', 修正 when fixing something wrong, and 調整 when calibrating or balancing.
The English word 'modification' is often translated directly as 変更, but in many contexts a more specific verb like 直す (naosu, to fix) or 変える (kaeru, to change) is more natural. Consider what you are actually doing.
デザインにいくつか修正を加えました。
We made some modifications to the design.
修正 is used because it implies correcting or improving the design.
Make a few modifications to the design.
車を改造する。
Modify a car.