Translation guide
The English word 'remodelling' refers to changing the structure, form, or appearance of something, especially a building or room. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is リフォーム, a loanword from English 'reform', but it specifically means home renovation. Other terms like 改装, 改造, and 改築 have different nuances and are used in specific contexts.
To express making significant changes to a house, apartment, or room, such as updating the kitchen, bathroom, or changing the floor plan.
The most common and natural word for home renovation or remodelling in Japanese. It covers interior renovations, facility upgrades, and layout changes. Often used as a noun or a suru-verb (リフォームする).
家をリフォームする予定です。
I plan to remodel my house.
キッチンのリフォームにはいくらかかりますか？
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Refers to renovation or refurbishment, often for commercial spaces or to improve appearance and functionality. Can be used for homes but sounds slightly more formal or business-like than リフォーム.
店舗を改装して、新しくオープンしました。
We renovated the store and reopened it.
Specifically means changing the interior decoration or layout, like rearranging furniture or redecorating, rather than structural changes. It's a lighter form of remodelling.
部屋の模様替えをして気分転換した。
I redecorated my room for a change of pace.
To express changing the structure of a building, such as adding an extension, removing walls, or rebuilding parts.
Refers to structural remodelling, rebuilding, or renovation that involves altering the building's framework. It implies more extensive work than リフォーム.
古い家を改築して、二世帯住宅にした。
We remodelled the old house into a two-family home.
Specifically means extension and/or remodelling. Used when adding new rooms or floors to an existing building.
To express remodelling or modifying something other than a building, such as a car, machine, or system.
General term for remodelling, modifying, or customizing objects, vehicles, or systems. Not typically used for home renovation unless it's a major structural change.
車を改造してレースに出る。
I modify my car and enter races.
このソフトウェアは改造が禁止されている。
Modification of this software is prohibited.
Means making minor adjustments or modifications, like tweaking or fixing something. It's a lighter form of remodelling.
To express restructuring or reforming an organization, system, or process.
Means reorganization, restructuring, or reshuffling. Used for companies, government bodies, or systems.
会社の組織再編が行われた。
A corporate restructuring was carried out.
Means reform, often used for systemic or institutional changes. More about improving or overhauling than physical remodelling.
リフォーム is the most common word for home renovation, focusing on interior and facilities. 改装 is often used for commercial spaces or to emphasize appearance improvement. 改築 implies structural changes, like altering the building frame. For a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel, リフォーム is best.
リフォームでキッチンを広くした。
I made the kitchen bigger through remodelling.
改装して店のイメージを変えた。
We renovated to change the store's image.
改築して耐震性を高めた。
We remodelled to improve earthquake resistance.
The direct loanword リモデリング exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. Stick to リフォーム for home remodelling.
増改築をして部屋を増やした。
We did an extension and remodelling to add more rooms.
Please make some minor modifications to the design.
教育制度の改革が必要だ。
Reform of the education system is necessary.