Translation guide
The English word 'reform' covers a range of improvements to systems, organizations, laws, or personal behavior. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being reformed and how radical the change is.
Improving a system, law, organization, or government policy
The most common and general word for reform, especially of systems, organizations, or policies. Implies significant, often structural change.
The government is advancing tax reform.
Educational reform is an urgent task.
Means 'improvement' and is used for making something better, often in a continuous or incremental way. Less radical than 改革.
We are working on business process reform.
Implies a complete overhaul or renewal, often used in political or organizational contexts. Stronger than 改革.
They aim to reform the party's image.
Changing one's own behavior, habits, or character for the better
Literally 'to replace one's heart', meaning to turn over a new leaf or reform one's ways. Common for personal moral reform.
He reformed and started working seriously.
To reform oneself morally or spiritually, often after realizing wrongdoing. Slightly formal.
He reformed and atoned for his crime.
Literally 'to wash one's feet', meaning to quit a bad habit or shady business and reform. Often used for leaving criminal or disreputable activities.
Amending laws or regulations
Used specifically for amending or revising laws, regulations, or treaties. Implies formal, legal change.
Debate on constitutional reform continues.
Reforming economic structures or business practices
Specifically refers to structural reform, often in economic contexts. A set phrase.
Without structural reform, there will be no economic recovery.
改革 (kaikaku) is for major, systemic reform; 改善 (kaizen) is for continuous improvement; 改正 (kaisei) is for legal amendments. Use 改革 for broad policy changes, 改善 for making processes better, and 改正 for revising laws.
The loanword リフォーム (rifōmu) means renovation or remodeling, especially of houses. It does not mean political or social reform.
He reformed and left the yakuza.