Translation guide
The concept of being born again, renewed, or revived, often in a spiritual, metaphorical, or literal sense.
Expressing the idea of being spiritually reborn, often in a religious context like Buddhism or Christianity.
General term for rebirth, regeneration, or revival. Can be used in spiritual contexts.
彼は洗礼を受けて霊的な再生を経験した。
He experienced a spiritual rebirth through baptism.
Literally 'being reborn,' often used in Buddhist contexts for reincarnation or a fresh start in life.
仏教では生まれ変わりを信じている。
In Buddhism, they believe in rebirth.
Specifically refers to reincarnation or transmigration of the soul.
彼は前世の記憶を持つ転生者だと言われている。
He is said to be a reincarnated person with memories of a past life.
The Buddhist concept of the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara). More technical/religious.
輪廻からの解脱を目指す。
Aim for liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Describing a major positive change in one's life, like a new beginning or transformation.
Verb meaning 'to be reborn' or 'to turn over a new leaf.' Commonly used for personal transformation.
彼は心を入れ替えて、生まれ変わったように真面目になった。
He changed his ways and became serious, as if reborn.
Literally 'restart' or 'fresh start,' often used for a new beginning in life or career.
Means 'new birth' or 'new life,' often used metaphorically for a new era or personal revival.
Talking about the comeback or regeneration of non-living things like a city, tradition, or ecosystem.
General term for revival, resurrection, or comeback. Used for events, traditions, economies, etc.
その祭りは地元の努力で復活した。
The festival was revived through local efforts.
Also used for regeneration of nature, urban renewal, or economic recovery.
Specifically refers to reconstruction or revival after a disaster or decline.
Referring to the actual process of being born again in a new body, often in fantasy or religious stories.
The standard term for reincarnation, common in anime, manga, and light novels.
異世界に転生する物語が人気だ。
Stories about being reborn in another world are popular.
再生 (saisei) is a broad term for rebirth/regeneration, often used for spiritual, natural, or media revival. 復活 (fukkatsu) emphasizes a comeback or resurrection after a pause or death, like a band reuniting. 復興 (fukkou) is specifically for reconstruction after a disaster or decline, like post-earthquake recovery.
English 'rebirth' is often metaphorical. In Japanese, 生まれ変わり (umarekawari) can sound too literal or religious. For a fresh start, 再出発 (saishuppatsu) or 心機一転 (shinki itten) might be more natural.
彼女は離婚後、新しい街で再出発した。
After her divorce, she made a fresh start in a new city.
会社は新生して、新しい経営陣の下で成長した。
The company was reborn and grew under new management.
森林の再生プロジェクトが始まった。
A forest regeneration project has started.
震災からの復興には時間がかかる。
Rebirth after the earthquake disaster takes time.
Verb form, can be used literally for reincarnation.
死んだら別の生き物に生まれ変わるかもしれない。
When you die, you might be reborn as a different creature.