改革 — meaning in English: reform

kaikaku · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for reform

ホルダー

horudā

テキスト

tekisuto

サポート

sapooto

関心

kanshin

改革

kaikaku

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Japanese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use '改革' (kaikaku) in discussions about political or economic changes, such as during government reforms or corporate restructuring. For example, you may hear it in news reports covering a new legislation aimed at improving the healthcare system in Japan.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is '改善' (kaizen), which means 'improvement.' While '改革' implies a more comprehensive and sometimes radical change, '改善' tends to refer to incremental improvements. You would choose '改革' when discussing major reforms or overhauls in systems or policies.

Culture

'改革' (kaikaku) has roots in the Chinese characters '改' (kai, meaning change) and '革' (kaku, meaning leather or reform). Historically, it has been associated with significant movements in Japan, such as the Meiji Restoration, where sweeping reforms transformed Japan from a feudal society to a modern state. This term encapsulates not just change, but a deep drive towards improvement and modernization.

FAQ

Q.What does '改革' mean in English?

'改革' translates to 'reform' in English, referring to significant changes intended to improve a system or organization.

Q.How do you use '改革' in a sentence?

You can use '改革' in a sentence like this: '政府は教育改革を進めている' (The government is advancing educational reform).

Q.Is '改革' used in everyday conversation?

'改革' is more often used in formal contexts, such as media or political discussions, rather than casual everyday conversation.

Learn japanese with Maspeak →

Japanese 2000