Translation guide
The English word "revising" covers several related but distinct actions: correcting errors, improving content, updating information, and reviewing for an exam. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what you are actually doing.
You are making changes to fix mistakes, improve clarity, or adjust content in a written work, proposal, or plan.
The most common and general word for making corrections or revisions to a document, plan, or system. It implies fixing errors or adjusting details.
レポートの誤字を修正する。
I will correct the typos in the report.
We need to revise the plan.
Used for revising a published work like a book, dictionary, or edition. It implies a more substantial update or new version.
この辞書は来年改訂される予定だ。
This dictionary is scheduled to be revised next year.
Literally 'to look over again'. It means to review and revise something, often with the nuance of reconsidering or improving it from a fresh perspective.
予算を見直す。
We will review (and revise) the budget.
文章を見直して、もっとわかりやすくした。
I revised the text to make it easier to understand.
Specifically means to correct or revise someone's writing, often by a teacher or editor. It focuses on marking errors and suggesting improvements.
先生が作文を添削してくれた。
The teacher revised my essay.
You are changing numbers, facts, or details to reflect the latest situation.
The standard word for updating data, records, software, or web content. It means replacing old information with new.
ウェブサイトの情報を更新する。
I will update (revise) the information on the website.
データを最新のものに更新した。
I revised the data to the latest version.
To change something to a new or better state, often used for rules, systems, or personal habits. It can imply a formal revision.
You are studying material again to prepare for a test. This is the British English meaning of 'revising'.
The standard word for reviewing or going over what you have studied, especially for a test.
試験のために歴史を復習している。
I am revising history for the exam.
A slightly more casual way to say 'review' or 'brush up'. Often used for practicing a skill or going over lessons.
テストの前におさらいしよう。
Let's revise before the test.
修正 (shūsei) is for fixing errors or making small adjustments. 改訂 (kaitei) is for a new edition of a published work. 更新 (kōshin) is for updating data or information to the latest state. Use 修正 for correcting a draft, 改訂 for a revised book, and 更新 for refreshing a webpage.
復習 (fukushū) only means reviewing/studying. If you say レポートを復習する, it sounds like you are studying the report for a test, not correcting it. Use 修正する instead.
週末は作文を修正して過ごした。
I spent the weekend revising my essay.
出版社は新しいカリキュラムに合わせて教科書を改訂している。
The publisher is revising the textbook for the new curriculum.
彼女は期末試験のために復習している。
She's revising for her final exams.
法律を改める。
To revise the law.