Translation guide
The English verb "restore" covers several distinct meanings, from bringing back a previous state to repairing physical objects. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being restored and how.
To return something to an earlier, often better, condition (e.g., health, order, confidence, system).
General term for recovery or restoration of an abstract state like health, trust, or economic conditions. Often used intransitively (〜が回復する) or transitively (〜を回復する).
He restored his health.
Restoring trust is difficult.
Specifically for restoring systems, services, or infrastructure after a failure or disaster (e.g., power, internet, transportation).
Power was restored after the blackout.
Casual, versatile verb meaning 'to put back' or 'return to a previous state'. Often used for settings, positions, or simple reversals.
Implies revival or resurrection, often used for traditions, brands, or things that were dead/defunct. Stronger than 回復.
The tradition was restored/revived.
To fix and return an object (art, furniture, building) to its original condition.
Used for careful restoration of art, historical buildings, or damaged items, emphasizing returning to original state.
To return a right, position, or possession to someone.
Also used for restoring abstract rights or statuses (e.g., citizenship, freedom).
To give someone back their job, title, or role.
Specifically for reinstating someone to their former job or post.
To retrieve and reinstate digital data or system state from a backup.
Standard IT term for restoring data, files, or system state from a backup.
回復 (かいふく) is for abstract states like health or trust. 復旧 (ふっきゅう) is for services and infrastructure. 復元 (ふくげん) is for physical reconstruction or data restoration. Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
It took several hours to restore the system.
設定を元に戻してください。
Please restore the settings to their original state.
He restored the furniture to its original place.
The painting was restored by an expert.
a project to restore an old temple
Focuses on reconstructing or recreating the original form, often from ruins or fragments. Common for archaeological or digital restoration.
To restore ruins using a computer.
General repair, not necessarily to original condition. More about fixing functionality. Can overlap with 'restore' for simple objects.
He restored/repaired the old clock.
He was restored to freedom.
Formal term for returning territory, property, or rights to the original owner, often in legal/political contexts.
The land was restored to its original owner.
To take back or regain something lost, often through effort. Can be used for both concrete and abstract things.
He restored his fortune.
The company restored him to his position.
For restoring a monarch or person of rank to their throne/title. Rare, historical.
The king was restored to the throne.
Restore data from a backup.
Loanword from English 'restore', commonly used in IT contexts, especially in software interfaces.
Please restore the system.
Health was restored (correct) / Health was restored (incorrect word)
リストアする is only for digital restoration. Using it for physical objects or abstract states will cause confusion.