Translation guide
Ways to express a change of direction, plan, or policy in Japanese, from physical turns to metaphorical shifts.
Describing a vehicle, vessel, or person altering their physical course or direction.
Standard term for changing course, especially for vehicles and ships. Literally 'course change'.
船は進路変更して港に向かった。
The ship changed course and headed for the port.
Change of direction, often used for vehicles or physical movement. Implies a turn or shift in orientation.
車が急に方向転換した。
The car suddenly changed direction.
Literally 'change the ship's course'. Used for ships or metaphorically for plans.
船長は針路を変える決断をした。
The captain decided to change course.
Describing a shift in plans, approach, or policy, often in business or personal contexts.
Change of policy or basic plan. Common in business and organizational contexts.
会社は経営方針を転換した。
The company changed its management policy.
Change of route or line, often used metaphorically for policy or political direction.
政府は経済政策の路線変更を発表した。
The government announced a change of course in economic policy.
General phrase meaning 'change direction', applicable to both physical and abstract courses.
人生の方向を変えたい。
I want to change the course of my life.
Emphasizing an abrupt shift in direction or plan.
Sudden change or turnabout. Often used for dramatic shifts in policy or situation.
情勢が急転換した。
The situation took a sudden turn.
To suddenly change direction. Casual and straightforward.
彼は急に方向を変えて走り出した。
He suddenly changed direction and started running.
Referring to changing one's major, career, or life direction.
Change one's course (in life, career, or education). Very common for students choosing a different path.
大学で進路を変えて医学を目指すことにした。
I changed my course at university and decided to pursue medicine.
To make a change of direction, used for career shifts or life changes.
彼はキャリアの方向転換を考えている。
He is considering a career change of course.
進路変更 is primarily for physical courses (vehicles, ships). 方針転換 is for policies or fundamental plans. 路線変更 is often used for political or strategic lines, like a party changing its platform.
タクシーが急な進路変更をした。
The taxi made a sudden change of course.
会社の方針転換により、新製品の開発が中止された。
Due to a change in company policy, development of the new product was halted.
与党は外交政策の路線変更を迫られている。
The ruling party is being forced to change course on foreign policy.
Course correction, adjustment of trajectory. Used for plans or projects that need minor adjustments.
プロジェクトの軌道修正が必要だ。
We need a course correction for the project.