Translation guide
The English word "fixing" can refer to repairing something, preparing food, arranging or setting something, or even manipulating a situation. This guide covers the most common ways to express these ideas in Japanese, from everyday repairs to cooking and planning.
To restore something to working order or good condition.
The most general and common word for repairing physical objects, machines, or structures. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (修理する).
車の修理に時間がかかった。
Fixing the car took a long time.
この時計を修理してもらえますか？
Can you fix this watch?
A versatile verb meaning to fix, repair, or correct. Used for physical objects, but also for abstract things like mistakes or habits. More casual than 修理する.
壊れた椅子を直した。
I fixed the broken chair.
パソコンの調子が悪いから直してほしい。
My computer is acting up, so I want you to fix it.
Refers to mending or repairing, often used for clothing, fabrics, or small-scale repairs. Slightly more formal or technical than 直す.
靴の修繕を頼んだ。
I asked for my shoes to be repaired.
Means repair or restoration, often for infrastructure, roads, or buildings. Implies patching up or reinforcing. Used in technical contexts.
道路の補修工事が行われている。
Road repair work is being carried out.
To make food ready to eat, especially in informal contexts.
The most common verb for making or preparing food. Covers cooking, assembling, and fixing a meal. Very natural in casual conversation.
朝ごはんを作っているところだ。
I'm fixing breakfast right now.
何か軽いものを作ろうか？
Shall I fix something light?
Means to prepare or get ready. Used for meals when emphasizing the preparation aspect rather than the cooking itself. Slightly more formal than 作る.
夕食を用意するから待っていて。
I'll fix dinner, so wait a bit.
A somewhat old-fashioned or folksy verb meaning to make or prepare food. Often implies making something from scratch with care. Not commonly used in modern daily speech.
To put something in order, set a time, or make arrangements.
Used for fixing a date, time, or plan. Means to decide or set. Very common in scheduling contexts.
会議の日時を決めましょう。
Let's fix a date and time for the meeting.
Means to put in order, arrange, or adjust. Used for fixing one's appearance, a room, or a situation. Implies neatness and readiness.
Means to arrange or make preparations, often for logistics, travel, or events. Similar to "fix up" in the sense of organizing something.
旅行の手配はもう済んだ？
Have you fixed the travel arrangements yet?
To dishonestly arrange or influence something to get a desired result.
Means to tamper with or rig something, often with a negative connotation. Used for fixing a game, election, or document.
彼らは試合を細工したと非難された。
They were accused of fixing the match.
Specifically refers to match-fixing or a rigged game, especially in sumo or sports. Can be used as a noun or with する.
その試合は八百長だったと言われている。
They say that game was fixed.
Means to manipulate or operate. In the context of fixing, it implies manipulating a system or outcome, such as rigging an election or data.
選挙結果が操作された疑いがある。
There is suspicion that the election results were fixed.
To fasten, install, or make something stable.
Means to install, attach, or fix something to a surface or place. Used for shelves, equipment, or accessories.
壁に棚を取り付けた。
I fixed a shelf to the wall.
Means to fix in place, secure, or immobilize. More technical than 取り付ける. Used for holding something firmly.
機械を床に固定してください。
Please fix the machine to the floor.
The loanword フィックスする is sometimes used in business or IT contexts (e.g., バグをフィックスする), but it is not natural for everyday "fixing" like repairing a chair or making dinner. Stick to the Japanese verbs above for natural communication.
直す (naosu) is more casual and covers a wide range of fixing, including correcting mistakes. 修理する (shuuri suru) is more formal and specifically refers to repairing physical objects. Use 直す in daily conversation, and 修理する in official or technical contexts.
祖母が手作りのおやつをこしらえてくれた。
My grandmother fixed some homemade snacks for us.
彼女は髪を整えてから出かけた。
She fixed her hair before going out.
部屋を整えて客を迎えた。
I fixed up the room before the guests arrived.