Translation guide
The act of changing the decoration or interior design of a room or building. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 模様替え (moyōgae) or the verb 模様替えをする. For more formal or large-scale renovation, 改装 (kaisō) is used. Note that 'redecoration' is not a single word in Japanese, but a concept expressed through specific terms depending on the context.
To express the idea of refreshing a room's appearance by changing decorative elements like furniture arrangement, curtains, or accessories, without major construction.
The most common and natural word for 'redecoration' in the sense of changing the interior look of a room. It implies rearranging furniture, changing curtains, or updating decor. Often used with する to mean 'to redecorate'.
I redecorated the living room.
Let's redecorate the room for a change of pace.
The verb phrase meaning 'to redecorate'. It is the most direct way to say you are changing the interior decoration.
I plan to redecorate over the weekend.
Refers to renovation or remodeling, often involving more substantial changes like new flooring, wallpaper, or fixtures. It can be used for redecoration that includes minor construction, but is more formal and implies a bigger project than 模様替え.
The store's renovation work has begun.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'to change the atmosphere of the room'. It is used when the focus is on altering the feel or mood through decoration, rather than the act itself.
I changed the curtains and altered the room's atmosphere.
To talk about redecoration as a leisure activity or interest, similar to 'interior decorating'.
Short for 'interior design/decorating'. Often used in phrases like インテリアが好き (I like interior decorating) or インテリアを変える (to change the interior). It is a loanword and very common in casual contexts.
She is really into interior decorating.
Means 'to change the interior', often used for redecoration projects. It is more casual than 模様替え and focuses on the visual aspect.
Since spring has come, I want to change the interior decor.
To express redecoration that involves significant construction, such as knocking down walls, replacing floors, or full-scale renovation.
A loanword meaning 'renovation' or 'remodeling'. It is used for home improvements that go beyond mere decoration, such as kitchen or bathroom remodeling. Very common in real estate and DIY contexts.
We plan to renovate the house.
As mentioned, this can also mean renovation. It is slightly more formal than リフォーム and often used for commercial spaces or public buildings.
Refers to repair and renovation, often for older buildings or infrastructure. It implies restoration and improvement, not just decoration.
模様替え (moyōgae) is specifically for changing the decorative arrangement of a room, like moving furniture or swapping curtains. 改装 (kaisō) implies more substantial renovation, such as new wallpaper or flooring, and is often used for shops or offices. リフォーム (reform) is a loanword for home renovation, typically involving structural changes like kitchen remodeling. Use 模様替え for simple redecoration, 改装 for moderate renovation, and リフォーム for major home improvements.
The English word 'redecoration' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like 再装飾 (saisōshoku) would sound unnatural. Instead, choose the appropriate term based on the scale and context of the change.
ホテルは改装中です。
The hotel is under renovation.
古いアパートの改修工事が行われた。
Renovation work was carried out on the old apartment building.