Translation guide
The English verb 'rewrite' means to write something again in a different way, often to improve it. In Japanese, the most natural expression depends on what is being rewritten and the purpose. Common verbs include 書き直す (rewrite from scratch), 書き換える (rewrite to change content), and リライトする (rewrite for improvement, often in publishing).
Expressing the act of rewriting a text, essay, report, etc., to make it better or fix errors.
The most common and general verb for rewriting something from scratch or making substantial revisions. It implies doing it over again.
I rewrote the report.
This part needs to be rewritten.
Loanword from English, often used in publishing, journalism, or creative writing contexts. It implies polishing or reworking a text.
I rewrote the article to make it easier to read.
Literary term meaning to polish or refine a text, especially poetry or prose. Implies careful, repeated revision.
He rewrote the poem many times.
Expressing the act of rewriting something to alter the information, such as updating a document or changing details.
Focuses on changing the content or replacing what was written. Often used for forms, data, or specific parts of a text.
I rewrote the address with the new one.
Means to correct or amend. It can be used for rewriting parts of a text to fix errors or make adjustments.
Expressing the act of rewriting something into a different format, such as from notes to a final draft, or adapting a story.
To make a clean copy; to rewrite something neatly, often from a draft. Common in school or formal writing contexts.
I rewrote the draft neatly and submitted it.
To copy by hand; to transcribe. It can be used when rewriting something exactly as it is, but into a new document.
Figurative use: to change the accepted account of past events.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to rewrite history, often with a negative connotation of distortion.
The regime tried to rewrite history.
書き直す (kakinaosu) means to rewrite from the beginning or redo the writing, often implying improvement or correction of the whole. 書き換える (kakikaeru) means to rewrite specific parts to change the content, like updating information. Use 書き直す for essays, drafts, and general rewriting; use 書き換える for forms, data, and partial changes.
リライトする is a loanword and sounds technical or industry-specific. In everyday conversation, 書き直す is more natural. Using リライトする for simple tasks like rewriting a shopping list can sound odd.
Rewrite the terms of the contract.
To correct the typo, I rewrote that paragraph.
I rewrote it into my notebook.