Translation guide
The English verb "redeem" has several distinct meanings, from compensating for faults to exchanging coupons. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To say that a good quality or action makes a bad situation or flaw acceptable or less serious.
Means to compensate for or make up for a mistake, loss, or shortcoming. Often used when a positive action offsets a negative one.
彼の誠実さが欠点を埋め合わせている。
His sincerity redeems his flaws.
Literally 'to take back' or 'to recover'. Used when a later success compensates for an earlier failure.
後半のゴールで彼はミスを取り返した。
He redeemed his mistake with a goal in the second half.
Means 'to save' or 'to rescue'. Can be used in a moral or spiritual sense, but is less common for everyday compensation.
彼の最後の行動が彼の人生を救った。
His final act redeemed his life.
To use a coupon, voucher, or loyalty points to get something, often at a discount or for free.
The standard verb for exchanging a ticket, coupon, or voucher for an item or service.
このクーポンは商品と引き換えられます。
This coupon can be redeemed for merchandise.
General term for 'exchange'. Can be used for points or coupons, but is broader than 引き換える.
ポイントを景品と交換できます。
You can redeem points for prizes.
Simply means 'to use'. In casual contexts, you can say 'use a coupon' instead of 'redeem'.
To convert a financial asset into cash or its equivalent.
Specifically means to convert something into cash. Used for bonds, securities, or points.
債券を満期前に換金した。
I redeemed the bond before maturity.
Formal financial term for redemption of bonds or debts at maturity.
国債が償還された。
The government bonds were redeemed.
To do what you said you would do, especially after a delay or difficulty.
Literally 'to fulfill a promise'. The most natural way to express redeeming a promise.
彼はついに約束を果たした。
He finally redeemed his promise.
Means 'to fulfill an obligation'. Used when redeeming a duty or responsibility.
彼は社会への義務を果たした。
He redeemed his obligation to society.
To deliver from sin or its consequences, often through sacrifice.
The specific religious term for atonement or redemption from sin. Used in Christian contexts.
キリストは人類の罪を贖った。
Christ redeemed the sins of humanity.
Means 'to save' or 'to redeem' in a broader religious sense, not limited to atonement.
信仰によって救済される。
One is redeemed through faith.
To get back an item you left as collateral by repaying the loan.
Specifically means to redeem a pawned or pledged item by paying the required money.
質に入れた時計を請け出した。
I redeemed the watch I had pawned.
Means 'to buy back'. Can be used for redeeming something you previously sold or pawned.
The English verb 'redeem' covers many distinct concepts. Do not assume a single Japanese word works for all meanings. Always choose the equivalent based on the specific context (compensation, exchange, finance, etc.).
引き換える is specifically for exchanging a voucher/coupon for a predetermined item. 交換する is broader and can mean swapping any two things. For coupons, 引き換える is more precise.
その映画の唯一の救いは演技だ。
The only thing that redeems the movie is the acting.
Uses 救い (salvation) to express that the acting compensates for other flaws.
マイレージを無料航空券に交換した。
I redeemed my frequent flyer miles for a free ticket.
交換する is natural for points/miles exchange.
Can I still redeem this coupon?
彼は家を買い戻した。
He redeemed the house.