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.
サーバーのメンテナンスは深夜に行われます。
Server maintenance is performed late at night.
定期的なメンテナンスが必要です。
Regular maintenance is necessary.
A more formal or technical term for maintenance, often used in engineering, IT, and official contexts. Implies systematic upkeep.
システムの保守を担当しています。
I'm in charge of system maintenance.
保守契約を結ぶ。
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.
Maintenance in the sense of preserving a state or condition, such as health, peace, or standards. Less about physical repair, more about sustaining.
Care or upkeep, often for personal items, gardens, or traditional crafts. Implies regular, attentive care rather than technical servicing.
盆栽の手入れは大変だ。
Bonsai maintenance is tough.
革靴の手入れをする。
To take care of leather shoes.
Referring to regular payments made to support a former spouse or children after divorce.
Child support payments. The standard legal term in Japan.
養育費を払う。
To pay child support.
養育費の未払いが問題になっている。
Unpaid child support is becoming a problem.
Spousal maintenance or support during marriage or separation. A legal term, less common in daily conversation.
婚姻費用の分担を請求する。
To claim spousal maintenance.
Expressing that someone continues to claim something is true, often in legal or argumentative contexts.
To continue to assert or maintain a claim. A straightforward verbal phrase.
彼は無実だと主張し続けた。
He maintained his innocence.
To insist or maintain stubbornly, often in the face of opposition. Slightly more emotional.
彼女は自分が正しいと言い張った。
She maintained that she was right.
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.
メンテナンス never means financial support. For child support or alimony, use 養育費 or 婚姻費用.