Translation guide
The English word 'maintenance' covers keeping things in good condition, providing financial support, and asserting a position. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing the act of maintaining equipment, buildings, or systems to keep them working properly.
The most common and direct loanword for 'maintenance', used for machinery, software, buildings, etc. Neutral and widely understood.
Server maintenance is performed late at night.
Regular maintenance is necessary.
A more formal or technical term for maintenance, often used in engineering, IT, and official contexts. Implies systematic upkeep.
I'm in charge of system maintenance.
To sign a maintenance contract.
Maintenance in the sense of servicing, inspecting, and adjusting, especially for vehicles, aircraft, and machinery. Often implies hands-on work.
To do car maintenance.
Aircraft maintenance engineer
Maintenance in the sense of preserving a state or condition, such as health, peace, or standards. Less about physical repair, more about sustaining.
To maintain one's health.
Maintaining the status quo
Care or upkeep, often for personal items, gardens, or traditional crafts. Implies regular, attentive care rather than technical servicing.
Bonsai maintenance is tough.
To take care of leather shoes.
Referring to regular payments made to support a former spouse or children after divorce.
Expressing that someone continues to claim something is true, often in legal or argumentative contexts.
メンテナンス is the general loanword and safe for most everyday contexts. 保守 is more formal and often used in IT/engineering for systematic upkeep. 整備 is specifically for mechanical servicing (cars, planes). Use メンテナンス when unsure.
PC maintenance
Elevator maintenance inspection
Bicycle maintenance
メンテナンス never means financial support. For child support or alimony, use 養育費 or 婚姻費用.
Unpaid child support is becoming a problem.
To claim spousal maintenance.
She maintained that she was right.