Translation guide
The English word 'mending' refers to repairing something, especially clothes, fabric, or relationships. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on what is being mended and the method used.
To fix a tear, hole, or worn area in clothing or cloth by sewing, darning, or patching.
General verb for mending clothes, especially by darning or stitching. Often used for repairing small holes or tears.
I mended a hole in my sock.
Noun meaning 'mending' or 'things to be mended'. Refers to the act or the items themselves.
I have a pile of mending to do.
General verb for fixing or repairing anything, including clothes. Less specific than 繕う, but very common.
Can you mend these trousers?
To patch or put a patch on. Used when mending by attaching a piece of fabric over a hole.
I patched the knee area with a cloth.
To restore a damaged relationship, heal a rift, or reconcile after a disagreement.
Formal phrase meaning 'to repair a relationship'. Used in serious contexts like diplomacy or counseling.
Mending relations between the two countries is not easy.
Common, casual phrase for making up after a quarrel. Suitable for personal relationships.
I had a fight with my friend, but we made up.
Literary expression meaning 'to resolve hard feelings' or 'clear the air'. Used for deep emotional rifts.
To fix or repair a broken item, not limited to fabric.
To improve one's conduct, reform, or correct bad habits.
While 直す can mean 'fix', it sounds unnatural for relationships. Use 修復する or 仲直りする instead.
繕う specifically implies sewing or darning, often for small fabric repairs. 直す is broader and can include replacing zippers, buttons, etc. In casual speech, 直す is more common.
We talked to mend the long-standing rift.
I'll mend the toy for you.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to turn over a new leaf' or 'reform oneself'.
I'll mend my ways and work seriously.