Translation guide
The English phrase "patching up" can refer to repairing physical objects, mending relationships, or providing temporary fixes. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from literal mending to figurative reconciliation.
To mend or fix a tear, hole, or damaged area in fabric or similar material.
A general verb for mending or repairing clothes, often by stitching. Suitable for everyday use.
母は私のジーンズの破れを繕ってくれた。
My mother patched up the tear in my jeans.
Literally 'to apply a patch', used when attaching a piece of fabric to cover a hole or reinforce an area.
彼は肘の部分に継ぎを当てた。
He patched up the elbow area.
A broad term for repairing or fixing something, not limited to fabric. Can be used for patching up objects in general.
古い椅子を修理して使っている。
I patched up the old chair and am using it.
To repair a strained or broken relationship, often after a disagreement.
The most common way to say 'to make up' or 'to reconcile' after a fight. Used for personal relationships.
喧嘩の後、二人はすぐに仲直りした。
After the fight, the two quickly patched things up.
A more formal expression meaning 'to repair a relationship'. Suitable for serious or professional contexts.
両国の関係を修復するために会談が行われた。
A meeting was held to patch up relations between the two countries.
Means 'to reconcile' or 'to settle', often used in legal or formal disputes. Less common for everyday personal arguments.
長年の対立の末、彼らは和解した。
After years of conflict, they patched things up.
To repair something quickly or temporarily, often with the implication that it's not a permanent solution.
Means 'to give first-aid treatment' or 'to apply a temporary fix'. Used for both medical and non-medical situations.
パンクしたタイヤに応急処置をして、最寄りのガソリンスタンドまで走った。
I patched up the flat tire and drove to the nearest gas station.
Means 'to make do' or 'to manage temporarily'. Implies a makeshift solution using available resources.
壊れたドアをテープで間に合わせた。
I patched up the broken door with tape.
Literally 'to get by for the moment', often with a negative nuance of a stopgap measure that doesn't solve the underlying problem.
その場しのぎの修理では、すぐにまた壊れるだろう。
A patch-up job like that will probably break again soon.
The English phrase 'patch up' is often used figuratively. Direct translations like 'パッチする' are not natural in Japanese. Use the context-appropriate expressions above.