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.
地震で壊れた家を建て直した。
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.
市は被災地の橋を再建する計画だ。
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.
古い門を作り直してもらった。
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.
会社の経営を立て直す必要がある。
We need to rebuild the company's management.
彼は人生を立て直そうと努力している。
He is trying to rebuild his life.
Formal term for rebuilding organizations, economies, etc. Often used in news or official contexts.
政府は経済の再建に取り組んでいる。
The government is working on rebuilding the economy.
Means 'to reconstruct' or 'rebuild' in a systematic way. Often used for systems, networks, or theories. Technical nuance.
システムを再構築するプロジェクトが始まった。
A project to rebuild the system has started.
To repair or rebuild a personal connection or confidence.
The most natural way to say 'rebuild a relationship'. Literally 'repair a relationship'.
二人は関係を修復しようと話し合った。
They talked to try to rebuild their relationship.
Used for 'rebuilding trust'. Literally 'restore trust'.
顧客の信頼を回復するのは容易ではない。
Rebuilding customer trust is not easy.
A more emotional expression meaning 'to regain bonds/ties'. Used for rebuilding deep personal connections.
家族の絆を取り戻したい。
I want to rebuild our family bonds.
To disassemble and reassemble a mechanical device, often replacing parts.
Loanword from English 'overhaul'. Commonly used for engines, machinery, etc.
エンジンをオーバーホールした。
I rebuilt the engine.
Literally 'disassemble and service'. A more Japanese term for overhauling machinery.
古い時計を分解整備した。
I rebuilt the old clock (disassembled and serviced it).
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.
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.