直す
Meaning in Englishfix, correct, repair
Animated kanji stroke order
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Word context
What it means
直す means to repair or correct something that is broken or wrong, returning it to its proper state; it covers both tangible objects and abstract corrections and is used across casual and formal speech.
Main meanings
- physical repair or fixing of objects or equipment
- correction of errors, mistakes, or misstatements
- straightening or putting something back on track, including plans and procedures
- restoring a condition or state to proper order
How to use it
Used across casual and formal contexts to repair tangible items or correct information; common in instructions and everyday talk; conjugates with standard forms such as 直します in polite speech and 直して in the te-form; used for both physical repair and correction of errors in texts, data, or plans; not typically used for living beings.
Variants and close terms
- 修理する (shūri suru) — repair
- 訂正する (teisei suru) — correct (a statement or text)
- 矯正する (kyōsei suru) — rectify or align
- 壊す (kowasu) — break (antonym)
- 治す (naosu) — fix or cure (different nuance)
Composition
直 means straight, direct; す is the verb suffix turning the concept into a verb; together they express the act of making something straight again, which broadens to repairing or putting right.
Etymology
Native formation The verb is built from the kanji 直 meaning straight or direct, plus the verb suffix す, yielding a native verb with the sense of making straight, fixing, or putting right; the kun'yomi nao- forms the base for conjugation.
Origin
Old Japanese usage is well-attested in classical literature; the form became widespread in Edo-period speech and remains foundational in modern Japanese.
Word class
Verb (五段動詞)