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.
政府は税制改革を進めている。
The government is advancing tax reform.
教育改革が急務だ。
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.
業務プロセスの改善に取り組む。
We are working on business process reform.
Implies a complete overhaul or renewal, often used in political or organizational contexts. Stronger than 改革.
党のイメージ刷新を図る。
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.
彼は心を入れ替えて真面目に働き始めた。
He reformed and started working seriously.
To reform oneself morally or spiritually, often after realizing wrongdoing. Slightly formal.
彼は改心して罪を償った。
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.
憲法改正の議論が続いている。
Debate on constitutional reform continues.
Reforming economic structures or business practices
Specifically refers to structural reform, often in economic contexts. A set phrase.
構造改革なくして景気回復はない。
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.
彼はヤクザから足を洗った。
He reformed and left the yakuza.