Translation guide
The English word 'rehabilitation' covers several distinct areas: medical recovery, addiction treatment, criminal reform, and restoring reputation. Japanese uses different words for each, and the most common term リハビリ (rihabiri) is mainly for physical therapy. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Regaining physical function after injury, illness, or surgery through therapy and exercise.
Short for リハビリテーション. The most common, everyday term for physical rehabilitation. Used in hospitals, clinics, and daily conversation.
彼は事故の後、毎日リハビリをしている。
He does rehabilitation every day after the accident.
リハビリのおかげで歩けるようになった。
Thanks to rehabilitation, I can walk again.
Literally 'functional recovery training'. A technical term used in medical settings, less common in everyday speech.
患者は機能回復訓練を受けている。
The patient is undergoing functional recovery training.
Programs or processes to help someone overcome substance abuse or addiction.
The standard term for addiction treatment, covering both medical and psychological aspects.
彼はアルコール依存症治療のために入院した。
He was hospitalized for alcohol addiction treatment.
Specifically for drug addiction rehabilitation. Often used in news or support contexts.
薬物依存症リハビリ施設が不足している。
There is a shortage of drug rehabilitation facilities.
Implies rehabilitation and reintegration into society, often used for ex-offenders or addicts. Can sound formal or legal.
The process of reforming offenders and helping them return to society as law-abiding citizens.
The most common term for rehabilitation of criminals. Emphasizes moral reform and social reintegration.
刑務所では受刑者の更生を目指している。
Prisons aim for the rehabilitation of inmates.
Literally 'return to society'. Focuses on the practical aspect of reintegration after prison or long absence.
Refers to correction or reform, often used in the context of juvenile offenders or correctional facilities.
The act of restoring someone's good name, honor, or position after a scandal or disgrace.
The standard phrase for restoring honor or reputation. Used in legal, political, and personal contexts.
彼は名誉回復のために戦った。
He fought for the rehabilitation of his reputation.
Restoration of rights or status, often used in legal or political contexts.
The English word 'rehabilitation' is broad. Using リハビリ for criminal reform or reputation restoration will cause confusion. Always match the context.
彼はリハビリ中です。
He is in rehabilitation. (only for physical therapy)
更生 emphasizes moral reform and change of heart, while 社会復帰 focuses on practical reintegration into society (job, housing, etc.). They are often used together.
更生と社会復帰を支援する。
Support rehabilitation and reintegration.
The full, formal term. Used in medical documents, official names of departments, and professional contexts.
この病院にはリハビリテーション科があります。
This hospital has a rehabilitation department.
彼の更生を支援するプログラムがある。
There is a program to support his rehabilitation.
出所後の社会復帰が難しい。
Rehabilitation after release is difficult.
少年院は矯正教育を行う。
Juvenile detention centers provide correctional education.
Literally 'clearing one's name'. Emphasizes removing a stigma or false accusation.
彼は汚名返上に成功した。
He succeeded in rehabilitating his name.
彼の復権が認められた。
His rehabilitation was recognized.