Translation guide
The English word 'improvement' can refer to making something better, a change that makes something better, or the process of getting better. In Japanese, the most common and versatile word is 改善 (kaizen), but other words like 向上 (koujou), 進歩 (shinpo), and 改良 (kairyou) are used depending on what is improving and how.
Expressing that something has been made better, often through deliberate effort, in areas like processes, systems, conditions, or quality.
The most common and versatile word for 'improvement'. It implies making something better, often through systematic effort. Used for processes, systems, working conditions, business, etc.
We need to improve our business processes.
Focuses on raising the level or standard of something, often used for skills, abilities, quality of life, or morale. Implies an upward movement.
Used for improving tangible things, especially products, tools, machines, or breeds of plants/animals. Implies modifying or refining something to make it better.
Means 'progress' or 'advancement'. Often used for gradual improvement over time, especially in technology, science, or personal development. Can imply a step forward.
Specifically refers to improvement in a skill or art through practice, like sports, music, or language. Used for personal skill development.
Referring to a concrete change, modification, or enhancement that results in improvement.
Describing the ongoing process or state of becoming better, often without specifying an agent.
Focusing on personal development in areas like language, sports, or arts.
改善 (kaizen) is for abstract things like systems, processes, or conditions. 改良 (kairyou) is for concrete things like machines or products. 向上 (koujou) is for raising the level of something like skills or quality of life. 進歩 (shinpo) emphasizes progress over time, often in technology or personal growth.
He is working on improving his lifestyle habits.
社員のモチベーション向上が課題だ。
Improving employee motivation is a challenge.
I'm aiming to improve my language skills.
このソフトウェアは大幅に改良された。
This software has been greatly improved.
The yield increased through selective breeding (improvement of the variety).
医学の進歩は目覚ましい。
The progress (improvement) in medicine is remarkable.
His English is improving little by little.
ピアノが上達してきた。
My piano playing has improved.
Literally 'improvement point'. Used to refer to a specific area or item that has been improved or needs improvement.
There are still areas for improvement in this system.
A specific improvement made to a product or tool.
Please explain the improvements in the new model.
A phrase meaning 'the points that were improved'. More descriptive than 改善点.
We listed the improvements that were made.
Can also refer to the process of improvement, especially when used with verbs like 進む (to progress) or 見られる (to be seen).
The situation is gradually improving.
Used for the process of rising in level or standard.
We can see an improvement in the standard of living.
Often used for gradual progress over time.
Technology is improving day by day.
A simple, colloquial way to say 'get better' or 'improve'. Very common in everyday speech.
The weather will improve in the afternoon.
His health is gradually improving.
The standard word for improvement in a skill through practice.
If you practice every day, you will definitely improve.
Used for raising the level of a skill, often in formal contexts.
Strive to improve communication skills.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to improve one's skill', literally 'raise one's arm'. Casual.
He improved his cooking skills.
product improvement
skill improvement
While 改善 can be used for personal habits or lifestyle, it sounds unnatural for skills like language or sports. Use 上達 or 向上 instead.