Translation guide
The English verb 'rebuild' means to construct something again after it has been damaged or destroyed, or to restore a system, organization, or abstract thing to a previous state. Japanese expresses this with different verbs depending on what is being rebuilt (physical structures, abstract systems, etc.) and the nuance (from scratch vs. restoration).
To construct a physical structure again after it has been destroyed or damaged.
The most common and neutral verb for rebuilding a building or house. Implies demolishing and building anew.
We rebuilt the house that was destroyed in the earthquake.
A more formal term often used for large-scale reconstruction projects, like rebuilding a city or a temple. Can also be used for organizations.
The city plans to rebuild the bridges in the disaster area.
Means 'to remake' or 'rebuild' in a general sense. Can be used for physical objects, but less specific to buildings than 建て直す.
I had the old gate rebuilt.
To restore or reconstruct a non-physical entity to a previous or improved state.
Used for rebuilding abstract things like a company, a life, or a system. Implies getting back on track after a setback.
We need to rebuild the company's management.
Formal term for rebuilding organizations, economies, etc. Often used in news or official contexts.
Means 'to reconstruct' or 'rebuild' in a systematic way. Often used for systems, networks, or theories. Technical nuance.
To repair or rebuild a personal connection or confidence.
The most natural way to say 'rebuild a relationship'. Literally 'repair a relationship'.
They talked to try to rebuild their relationship.
Used for 'rebuilding trust'. Literally 'restore trust'.
A more emotional expression meaning 'to regain bonds/ties'. Used for rebuilding deep personal connections.
To disassemble and reassemble a mechanical device, often replacing parts.
建て直す (たてなおす) uses the kanji 建 (build) and is for physical structures. 立て直す (たてなおす) uses 立 (stand) and is for abstract things like organizations or lives. They are pronounced the same but written differently.
rebuild a house
rebuild a company
再建する is too grand for rebuilding a small object or a personal relationship. Use 作り直す or specific phrases like 関係を修復する instead.
彼は人生を立て直そうと努力している。
He is trying to rebuild his life.
The government is working on rebuilding the economy.
A project to rebuild the system has started.
Rebuilding customer trust is not easy.
I want to rebuild our family bonds.
I rebuilt the old clock (disassembled and serviced it).