Translation guide
The English word 'revival' covers a range of meanings from bringing something back into use or popularity, to a religious awakening, to a new production of an old play. This guide helps learners choose the most natural Japanese expression for each context.
Expressing that a custom, tradition, skill, or trend is being revived or is experiencing a resurgence.
The most common and versatile word for revival, covering everything from trends to traditions to personal comebacks.
昭和の歌が復活している。
Showa-era songs are making a comeback.
この伝統工芸の復活を目指しています。
We aim to revive this traditional craft.
Often used for the revival of arts, culture, or institutions. Slightly more formal than 復活.
能楽の再興に尽力した。
He devoted himself to the revival of Noh theater.
A loanword from English, often used for fashion, music, or trend revivals. Casual and trendy.
90年代ファッションがリバイバルしている。
90s fashion is having a revival.
Specifically refers to something becoming popular again. More limited than 復活.
このゲームが再流行している。
This game is becoming popular again.
Referring to a renewed interest in religion or a spiritual movement within a community.
The standard term for religious revival. Combines 信仰 (faith) and 復興 (revival/reconstruction).
19世紀に信仰復興運動が起こった。
A religious revival movement occurred in the 19th century.
Also used in Christian contexts for revival meetings or spiritual renewal, often as リバイバル集会.
教会でリバイバルが起きた。
A revival broke out at the church.
Can be used for religious revival but more commonly means reconstruction after disaster. Use with care.
Talking about a stage production that is brought back after a period of absence.
The standard term for a theatrical revival or restaging of a play, opera, etc.
このミュージカルは来月再演される。
This musical will be revived next month.
Uses the loanword リバイバル plus 上演 (performance). Common in entertainment news.
名作のリバイバル上演が決まった。
A revival production of the classic has been decided.
Describing someone regaining consciousness or recovering vitality.
General term for recovery of health, strength, or consciousness. Not a direct translation of 'revival' but often the most natural choice.
彼は意識を回復した。
He regained consciousness.
Specifically means resuscitation or revival from near death. Medical or dramatic contexts.
Can be used metaphorically for a person's comeback or recovery of energy, but less clinical than 回復.
復活 (ふっかつ) is the most general and common word for revival of anything from trends to personal energy. 復興 (ふっこう) is primarily used for reconstruction after disasters (e.g., 震災復興) and can sound odd for small-scale revivals. 再興 (さいこう) is more formal and often used for cultural or institutional revival.
町の復興には時間がかかる。
The town's reconstruction will take time.
While 復活 is versatile, it does not fit every English use of 'revival'. For example, 'economic revival' is often 景気回復 (けいきかいふく) rather than 景気復活. Always consider the natural collocation in Japanese.
レコードの復活は驚きだ。
The revival of vinyl records is surprising.
彼らはあの古いテレビドラマのリバイバルを計画している。
They are planning a revival of that old TV drama.
宗教の復興
revival of religion
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
彼は完全に復活した。
He made a full comeback.