Translation guide
The English word 'repair' covers fixing physical objects, relationships, and abstract things. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being repaired and how.
To restore a damaged or malfunctioning item to working order.
The most common and general verb for fixing or mending something. Used for a wide range of objects, from electronics to furniture.
壊れた時計を直した。
I repaired the broken clock.
この椅子を直してもらえますか？
Can you fix this chair?
A more formal or technical term for repair, often used for professional repairs or in official contexts.
車の修理に時間がかかった。
The car repair took a long time.
このパソコンは修理が必要です。
This computer needs repairs.
Used specifically for mending clothes, fabrics, or sometimes buildings. Implies patching up or darning.
靴下の穴を修繕した。
I mended the hole in my sock.
To restore harmony, trust, or good feelings between people.
Used for repairing relationships, trust, or emotional bonds. Often implies a deliberate effort to fix something that was broken.
二人の関係を修復するのは難しい。
It's difficult to repair their relationship.
信頼を修復するには時間がかかる。
It takes time to repair trust.
Means 'to regain' or 'to recover'. Used with words like 信頼 (trust) or 絆 (bonds) to express repairing intangible connections.
To correct an error, compensate for harm, or restore a situation.
To make amends for a wrongdoing or to compensate for damage. Often used with 罪 (crime), 過ち (mistake), or 損害 (damage).
彼は自分の過ちを償おうとした。
He tried to repair his mistake.
Means 'to recover' or 'to restore'. Used for abstract things like reputation, health, or economic conditions.
評判を回復するのは大変だ。
It's tough to repair one's reputation.
Also used for abstract things like systems or order, though less common than for relationships.
システムの不具合を修復する。
Repair a system glitch.
Referring to the process or outcome of repairing something.
The standard noun for repair, especially for mechanical or electronic items.
修理が完了しました。
The repair has been completed.
Noun form used for restoration of relationships, art, or abstract things.
While 直す is the most common verb for fixing objects, it sounds unnatural for relationships. Use 修復する or 取り戻す instead.
直す is casual and general; 修理する is formal and often implies professional service. For everyday fixes at home, 直す is more natural.
失った信頼を取り戻したい。
I want to repair the lost trust.
関係の修復には努力が必要だ。
Repairing the relationship requires effort.