Translation guide
The English word "rewriting" can refer to the act of revising or editing text, or to the process of writing something again from scratch. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on whether you are making corrections, improving the content, or completely redoing it. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these nuances.
To make corrections or improvements to existing written content, such as an essay, report, or manuscript.
The most common and general verb for rewriting something. It implies writing again, often with corrections or improvements.
レポートを書き直した。
I rewrote the report.
この部分をもう一度書き直してください。
Please rewrite this part again.
Focuses on correcting errors or making adjustments. Often used for fixing mistakes in documents, data, or plans.
誤字を修正した。
I corrected the typos.
契約書の内容を修正する必要がある。
We need to revise the contents of the contract.
Specifically refers to correcting or giving feedback on someone's writing, often by a teacher or editor. Implies detailed corrections and suggestions.
先生が作文を添削してくれた。
The teacher corrected my composition.
To discard the previous version and write something entirely new, often from scratch.
Literally 'rewrite from one', meaning to start over from the beginning. Emphasizes a fresh start.
この章は一から書き直したほうがいい。
It's better to rewrite this chapter from scratch.
Means 'rewrite completely' or 'overhaul'. Used when major changes are needed.
企画書を全面的に書き直すことになった。
We ended up rewriting the proposal completely.
Loanword from English 'rewrite'. Often used in publishing or content creation contexts, but less common in everyday speech.
記事をリライトして公開した。
I rewrote the article and published it.
To adapt or transform existing content into a new format, such as converting prose into a script or simplifying text.
Implies changing the wording or form while keeping the core meaning. Often used for paraphrasing or adapting text.
この文章を子供向けに書き換えてください。
Please rewrite this text for children.
プログラムのコードを書き換えた。
I rewrote the program code.
Means to adapt a work into a different medium or style, such as turning a novel into a screenplay. More formal and literary.
小説を舞台用に翻案した。
I adapted the novel for the stage.
書き直す (kakinaosu) is the most general term for rewriting, implying a do-over. 修正する (shūsei suru) focuses on fixing errors or making partial corrections. 書き換える (kakikaeru) suggests altering the wording or form, often for a different purpose or audience.
The English gerund 'rewriting' is often best expressed as a verb phrase in Japanese. Using a noun like 書き直し (kakinaoshi) is possible but can sound stiff. For example, 'Rewriting is necessary' is more naturally 書き直す必要がある (kakinaosu hitsuyō ga aru) rather than 書き直しが必要だ.