Translation guide
The English word 'renovation' generally refers to improving or updating a building, room, or space. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is リノベーション, a loanword that specifically implies modernizing or repurposing an existing structure, often with a focus on design and lifestyle. Other terms like 改修 and 改装 are used for repairs, refurbishment, or remodeling, with nuances depending on the scale and purpose.
To express the concept of renovating a house, apartment, or building to improve its function, design, or value, often involving significant changes to layout or systems.
A loanword from English, widely used in Japanese for renovation that emphasizes modern design, lifestyle improvement, and repurposing spaces. It often implies a more creative or comprehensive update than simple repair.
中古マンションをリノベーションして住んでいます。
I renovated a used apartment and live there.
この物件はリノベーション済みです。
This property has already been renovated.
Another loanword, often used interchangeably with リノベーション, but tends to focus more on repair, replacement, or cosmetic updates (e.g., new wallpaper, kitchen unit replacement). It can also imply a smaller scale than リノベーション.
台所をリフォームしたいです。
I want to renovate the kitchen.
Refers to remodeling or refurbishment, often for commercial spaces or to change the appearance/function. Can be used for homes but is common for shops, offices, etc.
店を改装して、カフェにしました。
We renovated the shop and turned it into a cafe.
To express renovation that primarily involves fixing damage, wear, or aging, rather than stylistic updating.
Focuses on repair, restoration, or improvement of existing structures, often for functional or safety reasons. Common for public buildings, infrastructure, or large-scale maintenance.
学校の耐震改修工事が行われています。
Seismic renovation work is being carried out at the school.
Means repair or mending, often for specific parts of a building (roof, walls). Less about overall renovation and more about fixing broken elements.
To express a large-scale renovation that essentially makes something like new, sometimes involving rebuilding.
Full-scale renovation or overhaul. Used when the entire building or system is being renovated.
このビルは全面改修中です。
This building is undergoing a full renovation.
Literally 'rebuilding'. Used when the old structure is demolished and a new one is built, which is sometimes considered a form of renovation in English.
古い家を建て替えることにしました。
We decided to renovate (rebuild) the old house.
リノベーション implies a large-scale, design-focused transformation that adds new value. リフォーム often refers to repairing or replacing parts to restore original condition or make minor improvements. 改装 is common for commercial spaces and implies changing the interior layout or appearance. In casual conversation, リフォーム is widely understood for home improvements, but リノベーション is trendy for stylish makeovers.
リノベーションで間取りを変えた。
We changed the floor plan through renovation.
リフォームで壁紙を張り替えた。
We replaced the wallpaper as part of the renovation.
革新 (かくしん) means 'innovation' or 'reform' in a political, technological, or social sense. It is not used for physical renovation of buildings.
キッチンのリノベーションを計画しています。
We are planning a kitchen renovation.
美術館は改装のため休館中です。
The museum is closed for renovation.
屋根の修繕が必要です。
The roof needs renovation (repair).