Kotomora
JLPT N4Suffix
Furigana

なおRedo to correct or improve

なお attaches to a verb stem to show that an action is done again because the earlier attempt or result needs correction, revision, or improvement.

A second attempt with a purpose

This pattern does more than say that something happens again. It presents the first attempt, version, or decision as inadequate and the new attempt as a way to obtain a better result.

このだんらくかりにくいので、なおします

This paragraph is hard to understand, so I'll rewrite it.

Analyze

The paragraph already exists, but its wording needs improvement.

The first verb supplies the action

The first verb tells you what is being redone. For example, なお means to reread because another reading is useful or necessary, while かんがなお means to reconsider an earlier thought or decision.

すうひとちがえたので、けいさんなおしました

I made a mistake in one number, so I redid the calculation.

Analyze

Correcting versus trying

なお signals a new attempt prompted by a problem with an earlier one. てみる instead means trying an action to discover what happens; it does not require an earlier failed or inadequate attempt.

More examples

ろくおんざつおんはいったので、もういちなおしてください

The recording has noise in it, so please make another recording.

Analyze

ていわったため、りょこうけいかくかんがなおしています

Because the schedule changed, I am reconsidering the travel plans.

Analyze

そうしんするまえに、メールをなおした

I reread the email before sending it.

Analyze

しゃしんがぼやけたので、なおそう

The photo came out blurry, so let's take it again.

Analyze

じゅうしょちがえたので、もうしこみしょなおさなければならない

I entered the wrong address, so I have to rewrite the application form.

Analyze

データはただしかったので、にゅうりょくなおひつようはありませんでした。

The data was correct, so there was no need to enter it again.

Analyze