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直す (なおす) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N5 Freq. Frequency Top 5,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
fix ; repair ; correct ; restore ; straighten ; tidy up ; revive
Broad core sense: to return something to a proper or desired state. Covers physical repair, correcting mistakes/habits, straightening appearance, and reviving spirits.
I want to correct my bad habit.
2
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
change ; alter ; convert ; translate
Used for transforming something into a different form, such as converting currency, translating languages, or altering a document.
3
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
put back ; put away
Kansai dialect usage meaning to return something to its place. Not standard in Tokyo Japanese.
4
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
cure ; heal
Only when written 治す
Usually written as 治す. Used for curing illnesses or healing injuries.
See also: 治す
5
godan verb (-su), transitive verb
move up ; promote
dated term
Dated usage for promoting someone or moving something to a higher position. Modern Japanese prefers 上げる or 昇進させる.
6
suffix, godan verb (-su)
redo ; do over again
Suffix attached to the -masu stem of a verb to mean doing that action again, often to correct or improve it.
Written forms 直なお す Usage 69%
Standard kanji spelling for most senses; high-frequency word.
なおす Usage 31%
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the intended kanji nuance is not important.
治なお す
Used specifically for curing/healing; this is the usual spelling for that sense.
Kanji 直 straightaway, honesty, frankness Similar words 修しゅう 理り する 修理する is more formal and specifically means 'to repair' (machines, buildings). 直す is broader and more colloquial.
治なお る 治る is the intransitive counterpart meaning 'to be cured/healed'. 直す (治す) is transitive.
直なお る 直る is the intransitive counterpart meaning 'to be fixed/corrected'. 直す is transitive.
Etymology Derived from the adjective 直い (なおい, 'straight, correct') with the verb-forming suffix す. The kanji 直 carries the core meaning of 'straight, correct, fix'.