At the A1 level, you can think of 編集する (henshuu suru) as a simple action word for 'changing' or 'making' things like photos or short videos on your phone. You might use it when talking about your hobbies. For example, 'I edit photos' (写真を編集します). At this stage, you don't need to worry about professional publishing. Just remember that it is a verb used with the particle 'o'. It's a useful word for describing what you do on social media. You might see this word on buttons in apps if your phone is set to Japanese. It usually means 'Edit'.
At the A2 level, you start to use 編集する in more specific contexts, like school projects or simple work tasks. You can describe the act of organizing a newsletter or a class blog. You understand that 編集 involves taking many parts and putting them together. You can use the 'te-form' to connect actions, such as 'I edited the video and uploaded it' (動画を編集して、アップロードしました). You also begin to recognize the noun form 編集 (henshuu) in words like 編集者 (editor). This level focuses on the basic 'suru' verb mechanics and common objects like text and images.
At the B1 level, you can use 編集する to explain more complex processes. You can discuss the difference between 'editing' (creative organization) and 'correcting' (fixing mistakes). You might use it in a workplace setting to talk about editing reports or project proposals. You are comfortable with various conjugations, including the potential form (編集できる - can edit) and the passive form (編集される - is edited). You also start to learn related terms like 編集方針 (editorial policy) or 編集会議 (editorial meeting). You can describe your preferences in editing style or software.
At the B2 level, you use 編集する with a high degree of nuance. You can talk about the 'editorial intent' (編集の意図) behind a piece of media. You understand how editing can change the meaning of a story or influence public opinion. You can use the word in professional contexts, such as discussing the 編集権 (editorial rights) or the role of an 編集プロダクション (editorial production house). You can also distinguish it from technical synonyms like 校正 (proofreading) or 潤色 (embellishment). Your sentences become more complex, incorporating formal grammar and specific industry jargon.
At the C1 level, 編集する is used to discuss abstract concepts and high-level professional practices. You might analyze how a historical narrative has been 'edited' by those in power to serve a specific agenda. You can engage in deep discussions about 映像編集 (film editing) techniques like montage or jump cuts. You use the word to describe the curation of large datasets or the management of complex academic journals. You are aware of the subtle social and political implications of the word 'editing' in the context of 'fake news' or 'media manipulation'. Your vocabulary includes advanced compounds like 編纂 (compilation of scholarly works).
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 編集する, using it metaphorically and philosophically. You might speak of 'editing one's own memories' or the 'biological editing' involved in CRISPR technology (ゲノム編集). You can navigate the most formal academic or legal documents where the term appears. You understand the historical evolution of the word from physical weaving to digital manipulation. You can critique the 'editorial philosophy' of major global publications in fluent, sophisticated Japanese. The word becomes a tool for discussing the very nature of how human beings perceive and structure reality.
編集する en 30 segundos
- A versatile verb meaning to edit or compile media like text, video, and photos.
- Essential for discussing social media, professional publishing, and digital content creation.
- Differs from 'shuusei' (fixing errors) by focusing on the creative organization of content.
- Commonly seen in digital interfaces as the 'Edit' button or command.
The verb 編集する (henshuu suru) is a fundamental Japanese term that describes the process of organizing, selecting, and refining content—whether it be text, video, audio, or data—to create a finished product. At its core, it is about the transition from raw material to a structured narrative or presentation. The term is composed of two kanji: 編 (hen), which originally means to weave or compile (like threads in a cloth), and 集 (shuu), which means to gather or collect. Together, they evoke the image of gathering disparate elements and weaving them into a cohesive whole.
- Primary Action
- The act of selecting the best parts of a recording or draft and arranging them logically.
- Creative Control
- Deciding the pace, tone, and flow of a magazine, movie, or book.
- Technical Modification
- Using software (like Premiere Pro or Word) to alter digital files.
「週末は、YouTubeにアップロードするための動画を編集する予定です。」
(I plan to edit the video for uploading to YouTube this weekend.)
In a modern context, 編集する is no longer restricted to professional editors at publishing houses. With the rise of social media, anyone who trims a photo on Instagram or cuts a clip on TikTok is performing the act of 編集. It implies a level of intentionality—you aren't just showing everything; you are showing the *right* things in the *right* order.
「彼は雑誌の編集長として、何年も働いています。」
(He has been working as the editor-in-chief of a magazine for many years.)
- Digital Era Usage
- Commonly used with software: 「ファイルを編集する」(Edit a file), 「画像を編集する」(Edit an image).
- Media Usage
- Used for news and broadcasting: 「ニュース番組を編集する」(Edit a news program).
Using 編集する is straightforward because it follows the standard Noun + する pattern for Sino-Japanese (Kango) verbs. It is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object marked by the particle を (o). Whether you are talking about a professional career or a casual hobby, the grammatical structure remains consistent.
1. Basic Sentence Structure
The most common way to use it is: [Object] を 編集する. This can be applied to many different media types.
- 文章を編集する (Bunshou o henshuu suru) - To edit text/sentences.
- 動画を編集する (Douga o henshuu suru) - To edit video.
- 写真を編集する (Shashin o henshuu suru) - To edit photos.
- プログラムを編集する (Puroguramu o henshuu suru) - To edit code/programs.
「このレポートを提出する前に、もう一度編集してください。」
(Please edit this report once more before submitting it.)
2. Conjugation Patterns
As a する-verb (Group 3/Irregular), it conjugates as follows:
- Polite Present
- 編集します (Henshuu shimasu)
- Polite Past
- 編集しました (Henshuu shimashita)
- Te-form (Connecting)
- 編集して (Henshuu shite)
- Negative
- 編集しない (Henshuu shinai)
You will encounter 編集する in various professional and social settings. Its usage has exploded in the digital age, making it a high-frequency word for anyone interacting with technology or media.
1. In the Office
In a business environment, 編集する is used for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. It implies refining the content for clarity and professional appeal.
「企画書を編集するのに、丸一日かかりました。」
(It took me a whole day to edit the project proposal.)
2. In the Creative Industry
This is the 'home' of the word. Film directors, magazine editors, and web designers use it constantly. Here, it refers to the artistic process of storytelling.
- Movie Set
- 「監督が自ら映画を編集する」(The director edits the movie himself.)
- Publishing
- 「作家と編集者が原稿を編集する」(The author and editor edit the manuscript.)
3. On Social Media & Apps
If you use Japanese interfaces on apps like Instagram, YouTube, or even Google Docs, you will see the word 編集 everywhere. The 'Edit Profile' button is usually プロフィールを編集.
While 編集する is versatile, learners often confuse it with other verbs that involve 'changing' or 'fixing' things. Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding natural.
1. 編集 (Henshuu) vs. 修正 (Shuusei)
This is the most common pitfall. 修正する means to 'fix' or 'correct' something that is wrong or needs adjustment. 編集する is about the creative organization of content.
- Wrong Usage:
- 「テストの答えを編集する」(Editing test answers - Sounds like you are making a book of them.)
- Correct Usage:
- 「テストの答えを修正する」(Correcting test answers.)
2. 編集 (Henshuu) vs. 加工 (Kakou)
加工する means to 'process' or 'filter' something, often used for adding effects to photos or processing raw materials in a factory.
「写真を加工して、キラキラにしました。」
(I processed the photo to make it sparkly.)
3. Confusing with 'Compilation'
Sometimes learners use 編集 when they mean 翻訳 (hon'yaku - translation) or 執筆 (shippitsu - writing). Remember: 編集 is what happens *after* the writing is done or while the structure is being decided.
Japanese has many words for the act of refining content. Here is how 編集する compares to its synonyms.
- 校正する (Kousei suru)
- Specifically means 'proofreading.' It is the act of checking for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. 編集 is broader; 校正 is the final polish.
Example: 「誤字がないか校正する。」(Proofread to see if there are typos.) - 訂正する (Teisei suru)
- To 'revise' or 'correct' a statement or fact. Used when you said something wrong and need to set the record straight.
Example: 「発言を訂正します。」(I correct my statement.) - 構成する (Kousei suru)
- To 'compose' or 'structure.' This is the planning phase of editing—deciding the order of chapters or scenes.
Example: 「物語の構成を考える。」(Think about the structure of the story.)
「編集は、構成・校正・加工のすべてを含む広い概念です。」
(Editing is a broad concept that includes structuring, proofreading, and processing.)
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Noun + する verbs
Transitive vs Intransitive verbs
Compound nouns (Noun + 者, Noun + 部)
Potential form of suru-verbs
Ejemplos por nivel
スマホで写真を編集します。
I edit photos on my smartphone.
Direct object 'shashin' + 'o' + 'henshuu shimasu'.
この動画を編集してください。
Please edit this video.
Request form '-te kudasai'.
私は編集が下手です。
I am bad at editing.
Noun 'henshuu' + 'ga heta' (bad at).
毎日、ブログを編集します。
I edit my blog every day.
Habitual action in present tense.
名前を編集できますか？
Can I edit the name?
Potential form 'dekiru'.
写真をきれいに編集しました。
I edited the photo beautifully.
Adverb 'kirei ni' modifying the verb.
編集は楽しいです。
Editing is fun.
Topic marker 'wa' + 'tanoshii'.
新しいページを編集しましょう。
Let's edit the new page.
Volitional form '-mashou'.
学校のニュースを編集しています。
I am editing the school news.
Continuous form '-te imasu'.
昨日、友達と動画を編集しました。
I edited a video with my friend yesterday.
Past tense 'shimashita'.
この文章を短く編集してください。
Please edit this text to be shorter.
Adjective 'mijikai' to adverb 'mijiku'.
プロフィールを編集する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to edit my profile.
Verb stem + 'kata' (way of doing).
編集ソフトを買いたいです。
I want to buy editing software.
Desire form '-tai'.
彼は有名な雑誌の編集者です。
He is an editor for a famous magazine.
Noun compound 'henshuusha'.
動画を編集するのは時間がかかります。
Editing videos takes time.
Nominalizer 'no' to make the verb a subject.
間違えたところを編集し直しました。
I re-edited the parts I got wrong.
Verb stem + 'naosu' (to do again/fix).
このレポートは、もう少し編集が必要です。
This report needs a bit more editing.
Noun 'hitsuyou' (necessity).
YouTubeの動画を編集して、広告収入を得ています。
I edit YouTube videos and earn ad revenue.
Te-form to show sequence/means.
編集会議で新しい企画が決まりました。
A new project was decided at the editorial meeting.
Noun compound 'henshuu kaigi'.
誰でも簡単に動画を編集できるアプリがあります。
There are apps that allow anyone to easily edit videos.
Potential form 'dekiru' modifying 'apuri'.
彼は文章を編集するのがとても上手です。
He is very good at editing text.
Noun phrase 'henshuu suru no'.
この雑誌は、ターゲットに合わせて編集されています。
This magazine is edited to suit the target audience.
Passive voice 'sarete imasu'.
編集の仕事は、締め切りが厳しいです。
Editorial work has strict deadlines.
Noun 'shimeki' (deadline).
インタビューを編集して、記事にまとめました。
I edited the interview and summarized it into an article.
Te-form + 'matomeru' (summarize).
編集方針を明確にすることが、プロジェクトの成功には不可欠だ。
Clarifying the editorial policy is essential for the project's success.
Formal 'da' ending.
この映画は、編集の段階で大きく内容が変わったらしい。
Apparently, the content of this movie changed significantly during the editing stage.
Noun 'dankai' (stage/phase).
彼はフリーランスの編集者として、複数のメディアと契約している。
As a freelance editor, he has contracts with multiple media outlets.
Particle 'to' for contracts.
情報を整理し、読者に伝わりやすいように編集するスキルが求められる。
Skills to organize information and edit it so it's easy for readers to understand are required.
Passive 'motomerareru' (is required).
著作権の問題があるため、この部分は編集でカットせざるを得ない。
Due to copyright issues, we have no choice but to cut this part during editing.
Grammar '-zaru o enai' (have no choice but to).
膨大なデータを編集して、分かりやすいグラフを作成した。
I edited a vast amount of data and created easy-to-understand graphs.
Adjective 'boudai na' (vast).
編集プロダクションに外注することで、コストを削減した。
By outsourcing to an editorial production company, we reduced costs.
Te-form + 'koto de' (by doing).
そのニュースは、視聴者の反応を見てから編集し直された。
That news was re-edited after seeing the viewers' reactions.
Passive past 'sareta'.
メディアによる情報の恣意的な編集は、世論を操作する危険性を孕んでいる。
The arbitrary editing of information by the media carries the risk of manipulating public opinion.
Advanced verb 'haramu' (to involve/carry).
彼は学術雑誌の編集委員を務めており、論文の査読も行っている。
He serves as a member of the editorial board for an academic journal and also conducts peer reviews of papers.
Formal 'tsutomeru' (to serve as).
映像編集におけるモンタージュ技法は、観客の心理に多大な影響を与える。
Montage techniques in film editing have a significant impact on the psychology of the audience.
Compound 'eizou henshuu'.
この史料は、後世の人間によって都合よく編集された形跡がある。
There are traces that this historical document was edited conveniently by people of later generations.
Noun 'keiseki' (traces/evidence).
編集の妙によって、平凡な素材が一級の芸術作品へと昇華された。
Through the skill of editing, mediocre material was sublimated into a first-class work of art.
Noun 'myou' (skill/exquisiteness).
デジタル技術の進歩により、素人でもプロ並みの編集が可能になった。
Advances in digital technology have made it possible for amateurs to perform professional-level editing.
Compound 'pro-nami' (pro-level).
編集権の独立を守ることは、ジャーナリズムの根幹に関わる問題だ。
Protecting the independence of editorial rights is an issue that concerns the very core of journalism.
Noun 'konkan' (root/core).
膨大なインタビュー記録を編集し、一冊のノンフィクションとして上梓した。
He edited a vast amount of interview records and published them as a non-fiction book.
Formal verb 'joushi suru' (to publish).
記憶とは、脳が過去の経験を主観的に編集した結果に過ぎないのかもしれない。
Memory might be nothing more than the result of the brain subjectively editing past experiences.
Grammar '-ni suginnai' (nothing more than).
ゲノム編集技術の倫理的側面については、国際的な議論が急務となっている。
International debate on the ethical aspects of genome editing technology has become an urgent matter.
Compound 'genome henshuu'.
権力者が歴史を編集する行為は、国民のアイデンティティ形成を左右する。
The act of those in power editing history influences the formation of national identity.
Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).
自己のイメージをSNS上で編集し続ける現代人は、虚構と現実の境界を見失いつつある。
Modern people who continue to edit their self-image on social media are losing sight of the boundary between fiction and reality.
Grammar '-tsutsu aru' (in the process of).
文学における「編集」とは、単なる整理ではなく、新たな意味の創造である。
In literature, 'editing' is not mere organization, but the creation of new meaning.
Structure 'A dewa naku B' (Not A but B).
その映画監督は、編集室に数ヶ月間籠もり、完璧なリズムを追求した。
The film director holed up in the editing room for several months, pursuing the perfect rhythm.
Verb 'komoru' (to seclude oneself).
情報の洪水の中で、我々には真実を見極めるための「編集能力」が問われている。
In a flood of information, our 'editing ability' to discern the truth is being tested.
Passive 'towarete iru' (is being questioned/tested).
翻訳とは、異文化の文脈を自国語の枠組みへと編集し直す高度な知的作業である。
Translation is a sophisticated intellectual task of re-editing the context of a foreign culture into the framework of one's own language.
Formal 'dearu' ending.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Fixing a mistake vs. creative editing.
Processing/filtering vs. structural editing.
Correcting a factual error vs. general editing.
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
[Object] を 編集する
[Object] を 編集して [Verb]
編集の [Noun]
Cómo usarlo
Implies a sense of style and selection.
In computer menus, 'Edit' is always 編集.
- Using 編集 for fixing a broken chair (Use 修理).
- Using 編集 for changing your mind (Use 変更).
- Forgetting the 'uu' sound (Saying 'henshu' instead of 'henshuu').
- Using it without an object (Always specify what you are editing).
- Confusing it with 'composition' (Use 作曲 for music).
Consejos
Learn the Kanji
編 means weave, 集 means gather. Think of weaving gathered clips together.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember it conjugates just like 'benkyou suru' or 'souji suru'.
Job Titles
Adding 'sha' (person) makes it 'Editor' (編集者).
UI Recognition
Look for 編集 in the top menu of any Japanese software.
Creative Intent
Use it when you want to emphasize that you are making something better, not just fixing it.
SNS Usage
Use it when talking about your Instagram posts or YouTube channel.
Writing Practice
Try to write a sentence about editing your homework.
Media Consumption
Watch the credits of a Japanese movie to see the '編集' credit.
Natural Flow
Say 'Henshuu shite' to link it to the next action.
Manga Context
Understand that editors are key creative partners in Japan.
Memorízalo
Origen de la palabra
Contexto cultural
In business, asking someone to 'edit' your work is a humble way to ask for feedback.
Editors are often as famous as the artists themselves in Japan.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"どんなソフトで動画を編集していますか？ (What software do you use to edit videos?)"
"この写真を編集してもいいですか？ (Is it okay if I edit this photo?)"
"編集の仕事に興味がありますか？ (Are you interested in editorial work?)"
"ブログの編集にどのくらい時間がかかりますか？ (How long does it take you to edit a blog post?)"
"おすすめの編集アプリを教えてください。 (Please tell me your recommended editing apps.)"
Temas para diario
今日、編集したことについて書いてください。 (Write about something you edited today.)
もし雑誌の編集者になったら、どんな雑誌を作りたいですか？ (If you became a magazine editor, what kind of magazine would you want to make?)
AIが動画を編集することについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about AI editing videos?)
自分の人生を編集できるとしたら、どこを変えたいですか？ (If you could edit your own life, what part would you change?)
編集作業の楽しさと大変さについて書いてください。 (Write about the fun and difficulties of editing work.)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's better to use 校正する (kousei) or 修正する (shuusei) for typos.
Yes, for arranging or mixing tracks, though 'mix' or 'henshuu' both work.
An editor is called 編集者 (henshuusha).
It is a standard word used in both casual and formal contexts.
No, it is used for media and data, not people.
動画編集 (douga henshuu).
It is usually labeled 編集.
Yes, 'code editing' is コードの編集.
Yes, compiling code is 'compile', but editing the source is 'henshuu'.
Yes, 写真を編集する is very common.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
編集する (henshuu suru) is the go-to verb for 'editing' in any creative or technical context. Whether you are a YouTuber cutting a video, a student refining an essay, or a professional editor at a magazine, this word covers the entire process of turning raw ideas into a finished product.
- A versatile verb meaning to edit or compile media like text, video, and photos.
- Essential for discussing social media, professional publishing, and digital content creation.
- Differs from 'shuusei' (fixing errors) by focusing on the creative organization of content.
- Commonly seen in digital interfaces as the 'Edit' button or command.
Learn the Kanji
編 means weave, 集 means gather. Think of weaving gathered clips together.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember it conjugates just like 'benkyou suru' or 'souji suru'.
Job Titles
Adding 'sha' (person) makes it 'Editor' (編集者).
UI Recognition
Look for 編集 in the top menu of any Japanese software.
Ejemplo
彼はビデオを編集する。
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de media
〜によると
A2Según [fuente]. Se utiliza para indicar de dónde proviene la información, como las noticias o un libro.
によると
A2According to; as stated by or in.
活発
A2Activo; animado; lleno de movimiento o actividad. Se usa para describir personas enérgicas o situaciones dinámicas como discusiones animadas.
広告
B1Un anuncio público para promover un producto o servicio. La empresa gastó mucho dinero en publicidad este año.
アニメ
A2Anime; Japanese animation.
音声
A2Onsei se refiere al audio o sonido de voz transmitido por dispositivos. Se usa en términos como 'onsei ninshiki' (reconocimiento de voz).
放送する
A2Transmitir un programa por radio o televisión.
明らか
A2Es evidente que ella está mintiendo.
CM
A2Un comercial o anuncio en televisión o radio.
コメント
A2Un comentario es una observación que expresa una opinión o reacción.
