Translation guide
The English verb 'revise' covers several related actions: correcting or improving something, reviewing for an exam, and formally amending a document. Japanese uses different words for each.
To make changes to something written or planned in order to correct or improve it.
General term for correcting errors or making adjustments. Used for documents, plans, data, etc.
報告書を修正してください。
Please revise the report.
We need to revise the plan.
Used for revising a published work like a book, dictionary, or edition. Implies a new version.
この教科書は来年改訂されます。
This textbook will be revised next year.
To review and reconsider, often with the idea of improving. Can be used for plans, systems, or one's own work.
予算を見直す必要がある。
We need to revise the budget.
To make minor corrections or touch-ups. Often used for small adjustments to a draft or product.
デザインを少し手直しした。
I revised the design a little.
To go over material again in preparation for a test.
Standard term for reviewing previously learned material, especially for a test.
試験のために歴史を復習している。
I'm revising history for the exam.
Casual term for reviewing or going over something again, often used in conversation.
授業の前におさらいしよう。
Let's revise before class.
To make an official change to a legal or formal document.
Used for amending laws, regulations, or systems. Implies a formal, often legislative change.
憲法を改正するのは難しい。
It is difficult to revise the constitution.
To change or reform something, often a system or rule. Can be used in formal contexts.
法律を改める必要がある。
We need to revise the law.
To reconsider and alter a previous view or decision.
Literally 'to revise one's thinking'. Used when someone changes their mind or opinion.
彼は考えを改めた。
He revised his opinion.
To modify or correct one's opinion, often based on new information.
新しいデータに基づいて意見を修正した。
I revised my opinion based on the new data.
修正 (しゅうせい) is for general corrections or adjustments. 改訂 (かいてい) is for revised editions of published works. 改正 (かいせい) is for formal amendments to laws or systems.
The loanword リバイス (ribaisu) exists but is not commonly used. Stick to the native Japanese terms above.