Translation guide
The English word 'redress' means to correct or compensate for a wrong, injustice, or imbalance. In Japanese, the appropriate expression depends on whether you are talking about correcting a mistake, compensating for damages, restoring balance, or seeking justice. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to express these ideas.
To fix, remedy, or set right an error, flaw, or undesirable situation.
A formal term meaning to correct or rectify something, often used for social or systemic issues like disparities, injustices, or improper practices.
The government needs to redress income inequality.
A general term for making corrections or amendments, suitable for errors in documents, plans, or minor mistakes. Less formal than 是正する.
I redressed the errors in the report.
To reform or change something for the better, often used for personal behavior, systems, or practices. Implies a conscious effort to improve.
He redressed his way of living.
To make amends, pay compensation, or provide relief for damage, injury, or suffering.
To compensate for loss, damage, or suffering, often in a legal or financial context. Commonly used for victims of accidents, disasters, or injustices.
The company redressed the victims for their losses.
To pay reparations or indemnify, typically for legal liability or war damages. Stronger and more formal than 補償する.
To atone for or make up for a wrongdoing, often with a moral or emotional nuance. Can be used for crimes, sins, or personal failures.
To correct an imbalance, inequality, or unfair situation, often in a broader social or abstract sense.
A phrase meaning to restore balance or equilibrium. Suitable for economic, political, or ecological contexts.
The policy aims to redress the trade imbalance and restore equilibrium.
Literally 'to correct unfairness.' A straightforward way to talk about redressing injustice or inequality.
To obtain relief, remedy, or justice through formal or legal means.
To provide relief or remedy, often for victims of human rights abuses, disasters, or legal wrongs. Implies helping those in distress.
The court issued a ruling to redress the victims.
To take corrective measures. Often used in business or regulatory contexts to fix non-compliance or problems.
補償する (hoshō suru) is general compensation for loss or damage, often without fault (e.g., disaster relief). 賠償する (baishō suru) implies legal liability and is used for reparations or damages in a lawsuit. Use 補償 for insurance or aid, and 賠償 for war reparations or court-ordered payments.
The government compensated for the earthquake damage.
A large sum was paid as war redress.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'redress.' Translating it directly as リドレス (ridoresu) is not understood. Always choose the appropriate verb based on the context: correcting, compensating, or restoring.
The nation redressed the war damages.
彼は自分の罪を償うために働いた。
He worked to redress his crime.
We must redress the injustices in society.
The company took measures to redress the scandal.