復習をする

Using this phrase is super simple. 復習 is the noun for "review." Adding をする turns it into an action. You can say 復習をします to be polite. Or just 復習する when chatting with friends. If you want to say what you are reviewing, use the particle の. For example, 日本語の復習をする means "I review Japanese." It’s a very sturdy, reliable phrase. You can't really break it!

Use this anytime you are being a good student. Tell your teacher 復習をしました to earn some gold stars. Use it at work before a big presentation. You might say, "I need to review the data." It’s great for hobbies too. If you are learning guitar, you 復習 the chords from last week. Even texting a friend about a shared hobby works. "Did you review that new dance move?"

Don't use this for checking physical objects. If you are checking your car's oil, use 確認する. Don't use it for "previewing" upcoming material. That has its own special word, 予習. Also, don't use it for "reviewing" a movie or a restaurant. For a critique, Japanese people use レビュー. 復習 is strictly for the act of re-studying. Don't tell your date you want to 復習 them—that’s just creepy!

In Japan, the duo of 予習 (preview) and 復習 (review) is legendary. Kids hear these words from the first day of school. There is a huge cultural focus on "repetition." Mastery is seen as a slow, steady climb. Being someone who does 復習 shows you are diligent. It shows you respect the process of learning. It’s a very positive, hardworking vibe.

You will often see 復習 on its own in apps. In casual speech, the を often disappears. People just say 復習する. If you want to sound extra motivated, try しっかり復習する. That means "to review thoroughly." If you forgot to do it, you might sigh and say 復習しなきゃ. That means "I have to review." We've all been there!