Translation guide
The English verb "rearrange" covers changing the order or position of things, reorganizing a space, or rescheduling an event. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being rearranged.
To put things in a different order or layout, such as furniture, words, or objects.
Literally 'rearrange by lining up'. Used for changing the order of items in a sequence, list, or physical arrangement.
本を大きさ順に並べ替えた。
I rearranged the books by size.
Means 'rearrange the layout/placement'. Often used for furniture, room layout, or personnel assignments.
部屋の家具を配置換えした。
I rearranged the furniture in the room.
To reassemble or reorganize parts into a new arrangement. Used for schedules, teams, or physical components.
スケジュールを組み替える必要がある。
I need to rearrange my schedule.
Similar to 並べ替える but slightly more casual. Often used in computing contexts (sorting data).
データを日付順に並び替えてください。
Please rearrange the data by date.
To change the arrangement of a room, furniture, or belongings to make it neater or more functional.
Specifically means 'rearrange a room' by changing furniture, decorations, etc. Implies a refresh of the interior.
週末にリビングを模様替えした。
I rearranged the living room over the weekend.
Means 'tidy up' or 'put in order'. Often used when rearranging involves cleaning and organizing.
机の上を片付けて、書類を整理した。
I rearranged my desk and organized the papers.
To organize, sort out. Focuses on putting things in order, often by discarding unnecessary items.
クローゼットを整理して、服を季節ごとに分けた。
I rearranged the closet and sorted clothes by season.
To change the time or date of a planned event.
Standard phrase for 'change the schedule'. Neutral and widely used.
会議の日程を変更してもいいですか？
Can we rearrange the meeting?
Literally 'reassemble the schedule'. Implies a more thorough rescheduling of multiple items.
旅行の予定を組み直さなければならない。
I have to rearrange my travel plans.
Formal expression for 'reschedule'. Used in business or official contexts.
次回の打ち合わせの日時を改めさせていただきます。
We would like to rearrange the date and time of the next meeting.
The English verb 'rearrange' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a generic verb like 再配置する (rearrange) can sound technical or unnatural in daily conversation. Choose the verb that matches the specific action.