Translation guide
The English word "reforming" can refer to improving systems, laws, or organizations, or to changing one's own behavior or character. Japanese expressions vary depending on what is being reformed and the nature of the change.
To make changes to something like a political system, company, or law in order to improve it.
The most common and general term for reforming systems, organizations, or policies. Often used in political, economic, or corporate contexts.
The government is advancing tax reform.
The company carried out organizational reform.
Focuses on incremental improvement or making something better, often used for processes, efficiency, or quality. Less about fundamental structural change.
Improvement of business processes is necessary.
Implies a thorough overhaul or renewal, often with a sense of sweeping away the old. Used for political or organizational renewal.
They aim to renew the party's image.
To improve oneself by changing bad habits, attitudes, or lifestyle.
To reform oneself morally or spiritually; to turn over a new leaf. Often used for criminals or people with bad habits.
He reformed and became an honest person.
To rehabilitate or reform oneself, often used for criminals or people recovering from addiction. Implies returning to society as a better person.
He was rehabilitated in prison.
To mend one's ways; to correct one's behavior. A more general phrase for changing bad habits.
He promised to mend his ways.
To reshape or restructure a material or object, often in industrial or chemical contexts.
改革 implies fundamental, often structural change, while 改善 is about making existing things better without overhauling the system. Use 改革 for political or large-scale organizational reform, and 改善 for process or quality improvements.
改革 is not used for personal behavior change. For reforming oneself, use 改心する or 更生する.