Translation guide
The English word 'reclamation' covers several distinct concepts: restoring land, recovering materials, and demanding something back. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the process of creating new land by filling in a body of water.
The standard term for land reclamation, literally 'bury and build up'. Used for creating artificial islands or expanding coastlines.
東京湾の埋め立てによって多くの人工島が作られた。
Many artificial islands were created through the reclamation of Tokyo Bay.
Specifically refers to drainage and reclamation of shallow sea or lake areas, often for agriculture. Common in historical contexts like the Hachirogata project.
八郎潟の干拓事業は大規模な農地を生み出した。
The Hachirogata reclamation project created large-scale farmland.
Talking about reclaiming useful materials from discarded items or waste streams.
Means 'recycling' or 'regeneration'. Used for materials like paper, plastic, or metals. Often combined with other words.
この工場では廃プラスチックの再生を行っている。
This factory carries out the reclamation of waste plastic.
The loanword 'recycle' is very common in everyday speech. It covers the concept of reclaiming materials.
Means 'collection' or 'recovery'. Often used for collecting used products for recycling. Focuses on the gathering step.
Describing the process of making barren land usable for agriculture or habitation.
Means 'reclamation' or 'cultivation' of wild or unused land. Often used for pioneering or developing new farmland.
彼らは荒野を開拓して農地に変えた。
They reclaimed the wasteland and turned it into farmland.
Literally 'greening'. Refers to reclamation through planting vegetation, especially in desertification control.
Expressing the act of formally requesting or demanding something back, such as money, property, or rights.
A compound meaning 'demand for return'. Used in legal or diplomatic contexts, e.g., territory or assets.
その国は領土の返還要求を続けている。
That country continues its reclamation of the territory.
The noun form of 'take back'. Can be used for reclaiming something lost, like honor or position, but also physical items.
彼は失った信頼の取り戻しに必死だ。
He is desperate for the reclamation of lost trust.
Means 'recapture' or 'recovery by force'. Used in military or competitive contexts.
The English word 'reclamation' covers many distinct concepts. Always choose the Japanese term based on the specific meaning (land creation, recycling, recovery, etc.). Using a single Japanese word for all cases will sound unnatural.
ペットボトルのリサイクルが進んでいる。
The reclamation of PET bottles is advancing.
使用済み携帯電話の回収と資源再生。
Collection and material reclamation of used mobile phones.
A desert reclamation project is underway.
軍は都市の奪還を目指している。
The army aims for the reclamation of the city.