改善
The act of making a situation, system, or quality better than it was before. It is often used to describe positive changes in habits, business processes, or social conditions.
Examples
3 of 5生活を改善するために、毎日運動をしています。
I exercise every day to improve my lifestyle.
政府は労働環境の改善を約束しました。
The government promised the improvement of the working environment.
食生活、もう少し改善したほうがいいよ。
You should improve your eating habits a bit more.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the world-famous Japanese business philosophy 'Kaizen'. 'Kai' (改) means change and 'Zen' (善) means good. Change for the good!
Quick Quiz
健康のために、食生活を___することにしました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 改善
Examples
生活を改善するために、毎日運動をしています。
everydayI exercise every day to improve my lifestyle.
政府は労働環境の改善を約束しました。
formalThe government promised the improvement of the working environment.
食生活、もう少し改善したほうがいいよ。
informalYou should improve your eating habits a bit more.
本研究では、既存のアルゴリズムの改善を試みた。
academicIn this study, we attempted to improve existing algorithms.
業務効率の改善について話し合いましょう。
businessLet's discuss improving business efficiency.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
改善の余地がある
there is room for improvement
抜本的な改善
drastic/fundamental improvement
継続的な改善
continuous improvement
Often Confused With
Kairyō is specifically for physical objects or technology, whereas Kaizen is for abstract situations or systems.
Shūri means fixing something broken, whereas Kaizen means making a functioning thing better.
Usage Notes
It can be used as a standalone noun or as a suru-verb. It almost always carries a positive connotation of progress and optimization.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'kaizen' when they mean they fixed a broken machine (which should be 'shūri' or 'naosu'). Remember, kaizen is for upgrading quality, not just repairing damage.
Memory Tip
Think of the world-famous Japanese business philosophy 'Kaizen'. 'Kai' (改) means change and 'Zen' (善) means good. Change for the good!
Word Origin
Derived from Middle Chinese, combining the characters for 'change/reform' and 'good/virtuous'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The word is famous globally as 'Kaizen,' a philosophy of continuous improvement used in the Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing.
Quick Quiz
健康のために、食生活を___することにしました。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 改善
Related Vocabulary
A correction or modification made to fix an error or adjust...
効率Efficiency refers to the ability to achieve a goal or perfor...
改革Kaikaku refers to the fundamental and systemic improvement o...
発展Development or expansion of something into a more advanced,...
解決The act of finding an answer to a problem, settling a disput...
進歩Progress or improvement, specifically describing a forward m...
Related Words
保護
A1The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or loss by providing care or creating boundaries. It is a versatile term in Japanese used for social welfare, environmental conservation, and digital security.
革命
A1A fundamental and sudden change in political power or social structure, often involving a shift in governance. It also refers to a major, transformative shift in technology, thought, or a specific field that completely alters how things are done.
拡大
A1The act of making something larger in size, scale, or scope. It is frequently used for physical enlargement (like a photo) or abstract growth (like a business or a problem).
販売
A1The act of selling goods or services to customers, typically within a commercial or professional context. It refers to the business process of making items available for purchase.
取引
A1A transaction or business deal involving the exchange of money, goods, or services. It refers to the process of doing business with another party or making a trade.
貯金
A1The act of saving money or the amount of money saved, typically in a bank or a piggy bank. It refers to setting aside funds for future use rather than spending them immediately.
借金
A1A sum of money that is borrowed from a person or an institution and is expected to be paid back. It refers to the state of owing money or the specific amount of debt accumulated.
利益
A1Refers to the financial profit a company or individual makes after deducting expenses. It also describes a general benefit, advantage, or gain that someone receives from a situation or action.
損失
A1A formal noun referring to the loss of something valuable, such as money, property, or time. It is commonly used in business or serious contexts to describe a reduction in value or a disadvantageous outcome.
予算
A1A budget or an estimate of the amount of money available for a specific purpose. It refers to the financial plan or limit set before spending occurs in personal, business, or government contexts.
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