At the A1 level, you might find 'saikai suru' a bit difficult because it uses two kanji. However, you can think of it as 'Start Part 2'. Imagine you are playing a game and you take a break. When you come back, you 'saikai' the game. It is like saying 'start again.' You don't need to worry about the formal rules yet. Just remember that 'saikai' means things are moving again after they stopped. You will see it on signs at train stations or in shops. It is a very useful word to know when you are traveling in Japan because it tells you when things are opening again.
For A2 learners, 'saikai suru' is an important 'suru-verb' to add to your vocabulary. You already know 'hajimeru' (to start), so now you can use 'saikai suru' for things that were paused. A good way to practice is using it with time. For example: 'Ashita kara saikai shimasu' (I will restart from tomorrow). This word is very common in announcements. If you hear 'saikai' at a station, it is good news—the trains are starting again! Try to use it instead of 'mata hajimeru' to sound a bit more like a natural Japanese speaker in semi-formal situations.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'saikai suru' in both speaking and writing. You should understand that it is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word), which gives it a more formal and precise tone than 'hajimeru'. At this level, pay attention to the particles. Usually, it's '[Activity] o saikai suru'. You should also be aware of its homophone 'saikai' (再会), which means meeting someone again. In your writing, make sure to use the 'open' (開) kanji for activities and the 'meet' (会) kanji for people. This distinction is a key marker of intermediate proficiency.
At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'saikai suru' in professional and journalistic contexts. You will see it used in news reports about the economy ('keizai saikai'), international negotiations, and legal proceedings. You should also understand the passive form 'saikai sareru' and how it is used to describe events where the actor isn't the main focus. Furthermore, you should be able to distinguish 'saikai' from similar terms like 'fukki' (resuming a position) or 'saikou' (reviving a tradition). Using 'saikai' correctly in a business email shows that you understand Japanese corporate etiquette and clarity.
For C1 learners, 'saikai suru' is a tool for precise communication. You should explore its use in literary texts and high-level academic discourse. Understand how 'saikai' can be used metaphorically—for example, the 'resumption' of a historical process or a philosophical debate. You should also be familiar with complex compounds like 'saikai-mitooshi' (prospect of resumption) or 'saikai-meirei' (order to resume). At this level, your focus should be on the perfect integration of this verb into complex sentence structures, using it to maintain flow and formal consistency in long-form essays or professional presentations.
At the C2 level, 'saikai suru' is part of your instinctive vocabulary. You understand not only its literal meaning but also the social and cultural weight it carries in Japan—such as its significance in post-disaster recovery or institutional continuity. You can effortlessly switch between 'saikai suru' and its many synonyms to achieve the exact tone and nuance required for any situation. You might also analyze the historical development of the term and its usage in various eras of Japanese literature. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in high-stakes negotiations where the distinction between 'resuming' and 'starting over' could have significant implications.

再開する 30초 만에

  • 再開する (saikai suru) means to resume or restart an activity that was temporarily paused.
  • It is a formal suru-verb used in business, news, and daily announcements.
  • Commonly paired with nouns like operation (unten), business (eigyou), or meeting (kaigi).
  • Crucially implies a continuation from the point of interruption, not a brand-new start.

The Japanese verb 再開する (saikai suru) is a sophisticated yet commonly used term that translates primarily to "to resume," "to restart," or "to reopen." It is a compound verb consisting of two kanji: 再 (sai), meaning "again" or "re-", and 開 (kai), meaning "to open" or "to start." Together, they describe the act of bringing something back into motion after it has been temporarily halted, suspended, or interrupted. Unlike the simple verb hajimeru (to start), which suggests a brand-new beginning, saikai suru carries the specific nuance that the activity had a previous history and is now continuing from a point of pause.

Etymological Nuance
The use of 'Kai' (open) suggests the removal of a barrier or the unlocking of a state that was closed. It implies that the 'flow' of an event or process has been restored.
Formal Contexts
You will frequently encounter this word in news broadcasts, business reports, and official announcements. For instance, when a train line resumes service after an accident, the term 'unten saikai' (resumption of operation) is used.

In everyday life, Japanese speakers use saikai suru for everything from resuming a video game after a break to reopening a shop after renovations. It is a versatile verb that functions as a 'suru-verb,' meaning it follows the standard conjugation patterns of suru. Because it is a Sino-Japanese word (kango), it sounds slightly more formal and objective than native Japanese equivalents like mata hajimeru. This makes it the preferred choice in professional settings, academic writing, and public communication where clarity and precision are paramount.

午後の会議は二時から再開する予定です。(Gogo no kaigi wa niji kara saikai suru yotei desu.) - The afternoon meeting is scheduled to resume at 2:00 PM.

Furthermore, saikai suru is used in sports (resuming a match after rain), international relations (resuming diplomatic talks), and even personal habits (resuming a diet or exercise routine). It occupies a crucial space in the Japanese language because it acknowledges the existence of an interruption, which is a common occurrence in both logistical operations and human endeavors. By using this word, you are signaling to your listener that you are aware of the previous context and are now focused on the continuation of progress.

大雨で中断していた試合がようやく再開された。(Ooame de chuudan shite ita shiai ga youyaku saikai sareta.) - The match, which had been interrupted by heavy rain, was finally resumed.

Social Implication
In Japanese culture, the act of 'saikai' often brings a sense of relief or a return to normalcy. Whether it is a train line or a favorite local festival, 'saikai' represents the overcoming of an obstacle.

Using 再開する (saikai suru) correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and the particles that accompany it. In most cases, it functions as a transitive verb, where an actor resumes an activity. The structure follows: [Activity/Event] o saikai suru. For example, "to resume work" is shigoto o saikai suru. However, it can also be used in the passive form saikai sareru (to be resumed) when the focus is on the event itself rather than the person initiating the restart.

Grammar Pattern 1: Transitive
[Subject] wa [Object] o saikai suru. (Subject resumes Object.) Example: 彼は読書を再開した。(He resumed reading.)
Grammar Pattern 2: Intransitive/Passive Nuance
[Event] ga saikai suru. (Event resumes/restarts.) In modern Japanese, 'ga saikai suru' is increasingly common for natural phenomena or scheduled events. Example: 授業が再開する。(Class resumes.)

When discussing the timing of the resumption, you will often use particles like kara (from) or ni (at). For example, "to resume from tomorrow" would be ashita kara saikai suru. If you want to specify the point at which the activity was picked up, you might use chudan shita tokoro kara (from the point where it was interrupted). This precision is vital in technical or complex tasks where the exact state of progress must be maintained.

中断していた工事を来月から再開することになった。(Chuudan shite ita kouji o raigetsu kara saikai suru koto ni natta.) - It has been decided to resume the construction that had been suspended starting next month.

In polite Japanese (Keigo), saikai suru becomes saikai itashimasu (humble) or saikai saremasu (honorific). In a business email, you might write: "We will resume shipping operations on Monday" as Getsuyoubi yori hassou gyoumu o saikai itashimasu. This adds a layer of professionalism that hajimeru lacks. It acknowledges that the customer or client may have been inconvenienced by the pause and provides a clear path forward.

準備が整い次第、販売を再開いたします。(Junbi ga totonoi shidai, hanbai o saikai itashimasu.) - We will resume sales as soon as preparations are complete.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. While often technical, saikai suru can be used in literature or drama to describe the resumption of a long-lost tradition or a forbidden romance (though the 'reunion' kanji is more common for the latter). The key is the 're-opening' of a door that had been shut. Whether it is a shop's shutters literally opening or a project's metaphorical gears turning again, saikai suru is the linguistic key to that transition.

Common Collocations
Unten saikai (Resuming operation of vehicles/trains), Eigyou saikai (Resuming business/opening a shop again), Shiai saikai (Resuming a match).

If you are in Japan, you will likely hear 再開する (saikai suru) first at a train station. Japanese trains are famously punctual, but when delays occur due to accidents (jinshin jiko) or weather, the electronic displays and announcements will constantly update passengers on the unten saikai mikomi (estimated time for resumption of service). This is perhaps the most high-stakes environment for the word, as thousands of commuters rely on that 'saikai' to get home.

事故の影響で、全線で運転を見合わせていますが、10時頃に再開する見通しです。(Jiko no eikyou de, zensen de unten o miawasete imasu ga, juuji goro ni saikai suru mitooshi desu.) - Service is currently suspended on all lines due to an accident, but it is expected to resume around 10:00.

In the world of Japanese media and entertainment, saikai suru is used when a manga series returns from a hiatus (kyuukan). Fans of popular series like 'Hunter x Hunter' often wait years for the announcement of rensai saikai (resumption of serialization). On YouTube or Twitch, a streamer who took a break might title their return video "Haisin saikai!" (Resuming streaming!). This usage bridges the gap between formal news and modern digital culture.

Business Context
During a meeting, if there is a lunch break, the facilitator will say, 'Gogo no seku-shon wa ichiji kara saikai shimasu' (The afternoon session will resume at 1:00).
News Context
Government announcements regarding the 'Go To Travel' campaign or international travel restrictions frequently use 'saikai' to describe the lifting of bans.

In a neighborhood setting, you might see a sign on a storefront that says Eigyou saikai no oshirase (Notice of Resumption of Business). This is common after the New Year's holidays (Oshougatsu) or after a shop has undergone renovations. It is a polite way to welcome customers back. Similarly, schools use it for the start of the new term after summer break: Jugyou ga saikai sareru.

改装工事が終わったので、来週から営業を再開します。(Kaisou kouji ga owatta node, raishuu kara eigyou o saikai shimasu.) - The renovation work is finished, so we will resume business from next week.

Finally, in sports, the referee might signal the shiai saikai (match resumption) after a timeout or a foul. In all these instances, the word serves as a clear marker of time, dividing the period of 'stagnation' or 'pause' from the period of 'action.' For a learner, recognizing this word allows you to understand the flow of events in almost any Japanese environment, from the mundane to the monumental.

The most common mistake learners make with 再開する (saikai suru) is confusing it with hajimeru (to start) or hajimaru (to begin). While they both involve starting an activity, saikai suru must have a prior history. You cannot 'saikai' a project that has never existed. If you are starting a new hobby, use hajimeru. If you are returning to a hobby you quit three years ago, then saikai suru is appropriate.

Mistake 1: New Beginnings
Incorrect: 今日から日本語の勉強を再開します (when you've never studied it before). Correct: 今日から日本語の勉強を始めます。
Mistake 2: Kanji Confusion
Confusing 再開 (resume activity) with 再会 (meet a person again). Both are pronounced 'saikai', but using the 'open' kanji for people sounds like you are 'reopening' a person, which is nonsensical or even gruesome!

Another error involves transitivity. While saikai suru can be used intransitively in some contexts (e.g., shiai ga saikai suru), it is technically a transitive verb. If you want to say "The meeting resumed," it is safer for learners to use the passive saikai sareta or the clear transitive kaigi o saikai shita (someone resumed the meeting). However, in modern colloquial Japanese, the line has blurred, and ga saikai suru is widely accepted for events.

❌ 友だちと再開した。(Tomodachi to saikai shita.) - Incorrect (unless you are 'reopening' your friend).
✅ 友だちと再会した。(Tomodachi to saikai shita.) - Correct (using the meeting kanji).

A subtle mistake is using saikai suru for things that weren't exactly 'stopped' but just 'delayed.' If a person is late to a meeting, the meeting doesn't 'saikai'; it just 'hajimaru' late. Saikai implies a distinct break or period of suspension. Think of it like the 'Pause' and 'Play' buttons on a remote. You only press 'Play' (saikai) after you've pressed 'Pause' (chuudan/teishi).

Mistake 3: Over-formality
Using 'saikai suru' for very trivial things like 'resuming a conversation after a sneeze' might sound overly dramatic. In those cases, just continuing to talk is better expressed as 'tsuzukeru'.

Japanese has several ways to say "start again," and choosing the right one depends on the register and the specific nature of the restart. 再開する (saikai suru) is the most standard for official resumption. However, you might also consider fukku suru (to restore/return to a previous state), yarinaosu (to do over from the beginning), or tsuzukeru (to continue).

再開する (Saikai suru) vs. やり直す (Yarinaosu)
Saikai means picking up from where you left off (like resuming a video). Yarinaosu means starting over from zero because the first attempt failed (like restarting a level in a game).
再開する (Saikai suru) vs. 復帰する (Fukki suru)
Saikai is used for events and activities. Fukki is used for people returning to a position or status, such as 'returning to work' (shokuba fukki) after maternity leave or 'returning to the league' after an injury.

Another alternative is saikou suru (再興する), which means to revive or rebuild something that has completely collapsed or gone extinct, like an ancient tradition or a fallen kingdom. This is much grander in scale than saikai suru. For small daily tasks, mata hajimeru (to start again) is the most natural and least formal way to express the same idea. It is the 'friendly' version of saikai suru.

失敗したので、もう一度最初からやり直します。(Shippai shita node, mou ichido saisho kara yarinaoshimasu.) - I failed, so I will do it over from the beginning.

In business contexts, you might hear ri-suta-to (re-start), which is the katakana version of the English word. This is particularly common in the tech industry and startup culture. While it overlaps with saikai suru, 're-start' often carries a nuance of a 'fresh start' or a pivot, whereas saikai is more about the literal resumption of the exact same process.

In summary, choose saikai suru when you want to sound professional, objective, and clear about the fact that a paused activity is now moving forward again. It is the gold standard for 'resuming' in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The character '再' is often used in modern Japanese to mean 're-' in many technical terms, like 'saiseidou' (re-animation/re-starting an engine) or 'saisei' (recycling/regeneration).

발음 가이드

UK saɪkaɪ sʊruː
US saɪkaɪ sʊru
The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.
라임이 맞는 단어
Taikai (Convention) Maikai (Every time) Heikai (Closing) Seikai (Correct answer) Meikai (Clear) Zenkai (Previous time) Genkai (Limit) Tenkai (Development)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'sai' as 'say'. It should be a long 'i' sound.
  • Stressing the 'kai' too heavily. Japanese pitch is usually flatter than English stress.
  • Mixing up 'saikai' with 'sakai' (border).
  • Confusing the 'u' in 'suru' with a long 'oo' like 'soon'. It is shorter.
  • Failing to pronounce the double 'i' sound in 'sai-kai' clearly.

난이도

독해 3/5

Kanji are common but require knowledge of B1 level vocabulary.

쓰기 4/5

Must distinguish from the homophone 'saikai' (meeting).

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

듣기 3/5

Common in announcements; context helps distinguish meaning.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

始める (Hajimeru) 終わる (Owaru) 休み (Yasumi) 開く (Hiraku) 再び (Futatabi)

다음에 배울 것

継続する (Keizoku suru) 復旧する (Fukkyuu suru) 中止する (Chuushi suru) 延期する (Enki suru) 開催する (Kaisai suru)

고급

再興 (Saikou) 再燃 (Sainen) 再発 (Saihatsu) 再編 (Saihen) 再稼働 (Saikadou)

알아야 할 문법

Suru-verbs

再開する、再開した、再開しない。

Passive Voice (~sareru)

試合が再開される。

Humble Form (o ~ itashimasu)

販売を再開いたします。

Noun + Suru

再開する (Verb) vs 再開 (Noun).

Time + Kara (From...)

月曜日から再開する。

수준별 예문

1

ゲームを再開します。

I will resume the game.

Simple transitive use: [Object] o saikai suru.

2

あした、べんきょうを再開します。

I will resume studying tomorrow.

Time marker 'ashita' followed by the activity.

3

テストを再開してください。

Please resume the test.

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

4

三時から再開します。

We will resume from three o'clock.

Using 'kara' to show the starting time.

5

しごとを再開しました。

I resumed work.

Past tense 'shimashita'.

6

テレビを再開する。

To restart the TV (program).

Dictionary form.

7

本を読み再開する。

To resume reading a book.

Noun 'hon' + object particle 'o' (implied in simple lists).

8

練習を再開しましょう。

Let's resume practice.

Mashou form for invitation/suggestion.

1

雨がやんだので、テニスを再開した。

Since the rain stopped, we resumed tennis.

Reason 'node' + activity resumption.

2

来週からお店を再開します。

We will reopen the shop from next week.

Future plan for a business.

3

休憩が終わって、会議を再開しました。

The break ended, and we resumed the meeting.

Sequence of events using 'te' form.

4

もう一度、話を再開しましょう。

Let's resume the conversation once more.

Adverb 'mou ichido' for emphasis.

5

電車はいつ再開しますか?

When will the train resume?

Question form with 'itsu'.

6

昼ごはんの後で仕事を再開する。

I will resume work after lunch.

'No ato de' showing time sequence.

7

彼はピアノの練習を再開した。

He resumed his piano practice.

Specific activity 'piano no renshuu'.

8

映画を再開してください。

Please resume the movie.

Polite request in a casual setting.

1

中断していた工事がようやく再開された。

The construction that had been suspended finally resumed.

Passive form 'saikai sareta' used for formal events.

2

政府は観光支援策を再開することを決定した。

The government decided to resume tourism support measures.

Nominalizing the verb with 'koto' + 'o kettei shita'.

3

しばらく休んでいたが、最近ジョギングを再開した。

I had taken a break for a while, but I recently resumed jogging.

Contrast between 'yasunde ita' and 'saikai shita'.

4

電車の運転が再開するまで一時間待った。

I waited for an hour until the train operation resumed.

'Made' showing the duration until an event.

5

準備が整い次第、サービスを再開いたします。

We will resume the service as soon as preparations are complete.

Humble form 'itashimasu' for business.

6

議論を再開する前に、要点を確認しましょう。

Before resuming the discussion, let's confirm the main points.

'Mae ni' (before) used with the dictionary form.

7

彼は怪我から復帰し、トレーニングを再開した。

He returned from injury and resumed training.

Distinguishing 'fukki' (person) from 'saikai' (activity).

8

大雨の影響で中断していた試合が再開された。

The match, which was interrupted by heavy rain, was resumed.

Cause 'eikyou de' + passive result.

1

両国は外交関係を再開することで合意した。

The two countries agreed to resume diplomatic relations.

Formal agreement structure '[Verb] koto de goui shita'.

2

経済活動の再開に向けて、ガイドラインが作成された。

Guidelines were created toward the resumption of economic activities.

Noun form 'saikai' + 'ni mukete' (toward).

3

中止されていたイベントが、規模を縮小して再開されることになった。

It was decided that the canceled event would be resumed on a smaller scale.

Modifying the resumption with 'kibo o shukushou shite'.

4

システムトラブルが解決し、受付を再開しました。

The system trouble has been resolved, and we have resumed reception.

Transitive use in a professional service context.

5

彼は作家としての活動を十年ぶりに再開した。

He resumed his activities as a writer for the first time in ten years.

'[Time] buri ni' showing the length of the pause.

6

捜索活動は明日の夜明けとともに再開される予定だ。

The search activities are scheduled to be resumed at dawn tomorrow.

'To tomo ni' (along with/at the same time as) + passive 'sareru'.

7

放送を再開するにあたり、いくつかの注意点があります。

Upon resuming the broadcast, there are several points to note.

'Ni atari' (upon/on the occasion of) + formal structure.

8

学校側は、来月からの対面授業の再開を検討している。

The school side is considering the resumption of in-person classes from next month.

Using the noun form 'saikai' as an object of 'kentou shite iru'.

1

紛争の終結に伴い、国境貿易が段階的に再開された。

With the end of the conflict, border trade was resumed in stages.

Advanced compound 'ni tomonai' (accompanying) and 'dankaiteki ni' (gradually).

2

その歴史的な建造物の修復作業が、資金の確保によりようやく再開の運びとなった。

The restoration work of the historical building has finally reached the stage of resumption due to the securing of funds.

Formal phrase 'saikai no hakobi to natta' (reached the point of resumption).

3

長らく休刊していた文芸誌が、新編集長のもとで再開することになった。

The literary magazine, which had been suspended for a long time, will resume under a new editor-in-chief.

Complex subject with 'no moto de' (under the guidance of).

4

裁判官は、新たな証拠の提出を受けて公判を再開した。

The judge resumed the trial following the submission of new evidence.

Legal context with 'koupan' (public trial).

5

被災地のインフラ整備が急ピッチで進められ、鉄道の運行が全面的に再開された。

The infrastructure development in the disaster-stricken area proceeded at a rapid pace, and train operations were fully resumed.

Describing the manner 'kyuu picchi de' (at a rapid pace).

6

彼女は育児休暇を終え、研究者としてのキャリアを本格的に再開した。

Having finished her childcare leave, she resumed her career as a researcher in earnest.

Adverb 'honkakuteki ni' (in earnest/fully).

7

核合意の再開をめぐる交渉は、依然として難航している。

Negotiations regarding the resumption of the nuclear deal remain difficult.

Noun 'saikai' + 'o meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

8

伝統芸能の継承者が現れ、途絶えていた祭りが数十年ぶりに再開された。

A successor to the traditional performing arts appeared, and the festival that had ceased was resumed for the first time in decades.

Passive 'saikai sareta' with a historical context.

1

パンデミックによる供給網の寸断から回復し、各メーカーは工場の稼働を全面的に再開する構えだ。

Recovering from the disruption of supply chains due to the pandemic, manufacturers are prepared to fully resume factory operations.

Advanced idiom 'saikai suru kamae da' (prepared/poised to resume).

2

政情不安により凍結されていた対外援助が、民主的な選挙の実施を受けて再開の兆しを見せている。

Foreign aid, which had been frozen due to political instability, is showing signs of resumption following the holding of democratic elections.

'Saikai no kizashi o misete iru' (showing signs of resumption).

3

長年の沈黙を破り、その前衛芸術家は創作活動を再開し、新作を次々と発表している。

Breaking years of silence, the avant-garde artist resumed their creative activities and is announcing new works one after another.

Literary expression 'chinmoku o yaburi' (breaking the silence).

4

宇宙開発プロジェクトは、技術的な障壁を克服し、ついに月面探査の再開に漕ぎ着けた。

The space development project overcame technical barriers and finally managed to reach the point of resuming lunar exploration.

Idiom 'saikai ni kogi-tsuketa' (managed to reach the point of...).

5

資源価格の高騰を受け、長らく閉鎖されていた炭鉱の操業を再開する動きが加速している。

In response to soaring resource prices, the movement to resume operations of coal mines that had been closed for a long time is accelerating.

Compound noun 'sougyou saikai' (resumption of operations).

6

外交官たちは、合意形成に向けた対話を再開する余地がまだ残されていると主張した。

The diplomats asserted that there is still room to resume dialogue toward building a consensus.

'Saikai suru yochi ga nokosarete iru' (room remains to resume).

7

この法案が可決されれば、死刑執行が再開される可能性が高いと専門家は指摘している。

Experts point out that if this bill is passed, there is a high possibility that executions will be resumed.

Serious legal context using 'saikai sareru kanousei'.

8

古文書の解読が進んだことで、中世の儀式の再開を模索する動きが地元保存会の間で強まっている。

With progress in deciphering ancient documents, movements to explore the resumption of medieval rituals are strengthening among local preservation societies.

'Saikai o mosaku suru' (to explore/grope for resumption).

자주 쓰는 조합

運転を再開する
営業を再開する
試合を再開する
交渉を再開する
連載を再開する
活動を再開する
授業を再開する
販売を再開する
調査を再開する
供給を再開する

자주 쓰는 구문

再開の目処が立つ

— To have a prospect or estimate for when something will resume.

運転再開の目処は立っていません。

再開を待ち望む

— To look forward to the resumption of something.

ファンは連載の再開を待ち望んでいる。

全面的に再開する

— To resume something fully or on all fronts.

来月から観光を全面再開する。

段階的に再開する

— To resume something in stages or gradually.

経済を段階的に再開させる。

再開の運びとなる

— To reach the stage where something can resume (formal).

ようやく再開の運びとなりました。

再開を検討する

— To consider resuming something.

イベントの再開を検討しています。

再開を求める

— To request or demand the resumption of something.

住民はバス路線の再開を求めた。

再開の見通し

— The outlook or forecast for resumption.

再開の見通しは明るい。

再開の合図

— The signal to resume.

笛の音が再開の合図だ。

再開を急ぐ

— To hurry to resume something.

復旧作業を終え、再開を急ぐ。

자주 혼동되는 단어

再開する vs 再会 (Saikai)

Same pronunciation, but means 'meeting a person again'. Use 再開 for activities.

再開する vs 再開 (Saikai) vs. 再生 (Saisei)

Saisei is for recycling, playing a video, or regeneration. Saikai is for resuming an interrupted activity.

再開する vs 再開 (Saikai) vs. 復旧 (Fukkyuu)

Fukkyuu means 'restoration' of a system/infrastructure to its normal state. Saikai is the 'resumption' of the service.

관용어 및 표현

"筆を再開する"

— To resume writing after a long break.

老作家は十年ぶりに筆を再開した。

Literary
"幕を再開する"

— To raise the curtain again (metaphorically for starting a new chapter).

新しい人生の幕を再開する。

Metaphorical
"火蓋を再開する"

— To restart a battle or competition (literally: reopening the touch-hole of a gun).

再び論戦の火蓋が再開された。

Formal/Dramatic
"活動の再開にこぎつける"

— To manage to reach the point of resuming activities after much effort.

ようやく活動の再開にこぎつけた。

Neutral
"再開の兆しが見える"

— To see signs that something will resume.

景気回復により、採用再開の兆しが見える。

Business
"再開に踏み切る"

— To take the decisive step to resume something.

政府は入国制限の再開に踏み切った。

Journalistic
"再開の余地はない"

— There is no room or possibility for resumption.

このプロジェクトを再開する余地はない。

Formal
"再開を余儀なくされる"

— To be forced to resume (often used when circumstances dictate action).

中断していた裁判の再開を余儀なくされた。

Formal
"再開にこぎ着ける"

— To finally reach the stage of resumption after difficulties.

粘り強い交渉の末、輸出の再開にこぎ着けた。

Neutral
"再開の矢先に"

— Just as something was about to resume (usually followed by a negative event).

再開の矢先に、またトラブルが起きた。

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

再開する vs 始める (Hajimeru)

Both mean 'start'.

Hajimeru is used for any start, especially new ones. Saikai is strictly for restarting after a pause.

新しく始めます (Start fresh) vs 再開します (Resume).

再開する vs やり直す (Yarinaosu)

Both mean 'do again'.

Yarinaosu means starting from the beginning because the first time was wrong. Saikai means continuing from where you stopped.

テストをやり直す (Retake test) vs テストを再開する (Resume test).

再開する vs 復帰する (Fukkisuru)

Both involve returning to something.

Fukkisuru is for a person's status or position. Saikai is for the activity itself.

職場に復帰する (Return to work) vs 業務を再開する (Resume business operations).

再開する vs 継続する (Keizoku suru)

Both involve things going on.

Keizoku implies continuing without a break or maintaining a state. Saikai implies there *was* a break.

努力を継続する (Continue effort) vs 訓練を再開する (Resume training).

再開する vs 続行する (Zokkousuru)

Both mean 'continue'.

Zokkousuru is often used when you continue something *despite* a reason to stop. Saikai is used *after* you have already stopped.

試合を続行する (Continue the match despite rain) vs 試合を再開する (Resume after the rain stopped).

문장 패턴

A1

[Noun] を 再開します。

べんきょうを再開します。

A2

[Time] から [Noun] を 再開する。

明日から仕事を再開する。

B1

[Reason] で 中断していた [Noun] を 再開した。

雨で中断していた試合を再開した。

B2

[Noun] の 再開に 向けて [Verb]。

営業の再開に向けて準備する。

C1

[Noun] が [Adverb] 再開される 運びとなった。

貿易が段階的に再開される運びとなった。

C2

[Condition] を 受けて、[Noun] の 再開を 模索する。

情勢の変化を受けて、対話の再開を模索する。

B1

[Noun] が 再開されるまで [Duration]。

電車が再開されるまで三十分かかった。

B2

[Noun] の 再開を 待ち望む。

連載の再開を待ち望む。

어휘 가족

명사

再開 (Saikai) - Resumption
再開者 (Saikaisha) - One who resumes
再開日 (Saikai-bi) - Date of resumption

동사

再開される (Saikai sareru) - To be resumed
再開させる (Saikai saseru) - To make someone resume

관련

開始 (Kaishi) - Commencement
終了 (Shuuryou) - End
中断 (Chuudan) - Interruption
停止 (Teishi) - Suspension
継続 (Keizoku) - Continuation

사용법

frequency

Highly frequent in professional, journalistic, and formal announcement contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 再開 for meeting friends. 友だちと再会する。

    The pronunciation is the same, but the kanji are different. 再開 is for activities, 再会 is for people.

  • Using 再開 for a brand-new project. 新しいプロジェクトを始める。

    再開 implies a restart of something that existed before. You cannot 'resume' something that never started.

  • Using 再開 for a computer reboot. パソコンを再起動する。

    Technical devices usually use 'saikidou' (re-activation) rather than 'saikai'.

  • Saying 'Saikai shimasu' for a long-term revival of a dead tradition. 伝統を再興する。

    If something has been 'dead' for a long time, 'saikou' (revival) or 'fukkatsu' (resurrection) is more appropriate than the simple 'saikai'.

  • Confusing 再開 with 継続. 勉強を継続する。

    If you never stopped studying, you are 'keizoku' (continuing). You only 'saikai' if you took a break.

Transitivity Tip

While you can say 'Kaigi ga saikai suru,' using 'Kaigi o saikai suru' (someone resumes the meeting) is more standard for transitive actions.

Kanji Distinction

Always check the second kanji. 開 (open) is for things/events. 会 (meet) is for people. This is the most common mistake for intermediate learners.

Pair with Chuudan

Learn 'Chuudan' (中断) at the same time. They are natural partners. 'Chuudan shite ita... o saikai suru' is a very common sentence pattern.

Business Etiquette

When announcing a 'saikai' in business, it's polite to mention the reason for the pause first, e.g., 'Kaisou no tame... eigyou o saikai itashimasu'.

Station Announcements

Listen for the melody of 'Sa-i-ka-i'. In noisy stations, the distinctive 'k' sound in the middle helps you identify the word.

Resilience

In Japan, 'saikai' is often used in the context of 'fukkou' (reconstruction). It has a positive nuance of 'getting back on track'.

Avoid Triviality

Don't use 'saikai' for tiny things like continuing a sentence after a cough. 'Tsuzukeru' (continue) is better for that.

Journalistic Style

Use 'saikai no hakobi to natta' in formal essays to describe a project finally getting back on track.

Visual Aid

Visualize a gate (門) being opened (開) again (再). This matches the kanji perfectly.

Confidence

Using 'saikai' instead of 'mata hajimeru' will immediately make your Japanese sound more mature and educated.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'SAI' as 'Second' and 'KAI' as 'Kick-off'. A 'Second Kick-off' is a resumption!

시각적 연상

Imagine a 'Pause' button being switched back to a 'Play' button. The 'Play' button has the word 'SAIKAI' written on it.

Word Web

Business Trains Manga Sports Meeting Break Pause Play

챌린지

Try to use 'saikai' three times today: once for a hobby, once for a task, and once when you return to a conversation.

어원

The word is a 'kango' (Sino-Japanese word) composed of two characters. '再' (sai) originally depicted a fish being caught twice, leading to the meaning of 'again'. '開' (kai) depicts two hands opening a gate bolt.

원래 의미: To open again or to start again.

Sino-Japanese (Kanbun origin).

문화적 맥락

Be careful not to use the 'activity' saikai (再開) when you mean 'meeting a person' (再会). Using the wrong one in a romantic letter could be awkward.

In English, we often use 'restart' for machines and 'resume' for activities. 'Saikai' covers both perfectly, but sounds more like 'resume' in its formality.

Hunter x Hunter's frequent 'Rensai Saikai' announcements. Post-COVID-19 'Keizai Saikai' policies in Japan. The 'Unten Saikai' announcements on the Yamanote Line.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Train Station

  • 運転再開 (Unten saikai)
  • 再開見込み (Saikai mikomi)
  • いつ再開しますか? (Itsu saikai shimasu ka?)
  • 全線再開 (Zensen saikai)

Office/Business

  • 会議を再開する (Kaigi o saikai suru)
  • 営業を再開する (Eigyou saikai)
  • 取引を再開する (Torihiki o saikai suru)
  • 再開の目処 (Saikai no medo)

Sports

  • 試合再開 (Shiai saikai)
  • プレー再開 (Pure- saikai)
  • 後半再開 (Kouhan saikai)
  • 再開のホイッスル (Saikai no hoissuru)

Online/Media

  • 連載再開 (Rensai saikai)
  • 配信再開 (Haishin saikai)
  • 更新再開 (Koushin saikai)
  • サービス再開 (Sa-bisu saikai)

School

  • 授業再開 (Jugyou saikai)
  • 学校再開 (Gakkou saikai)
  • 部活再開 (Bukatsu saikai)
  • 再開日 (Saikai-bi)

대화 시작하기

"いつ日本語の勉強を再開しましたか? (When did you resume your Japanese studies?)"

"中断していた趣味を再開したいと思いますか? (Do you want to resume a hobby you had suspended?)"

"あのドラマの放送はいつ再開されますか? (When will the broadcast of that drama resume?)"

"仕事の再開前に何をしなければなりませんか? (What do you have to do before resuming work?)"

"旅行の計画を再開する準備はできていますか? (Are you ready to resume your travel plans?)"

일기 주제

今日、再開したことについて書いてください。 (Write about something you resumed today.)

もし一ヶ月の休みがあったら、その後どうやって仕事を再開しますか? (If you had a month off, how would you resume work after that?)

最近再開されたニュースの中で、一番嬉しかったものは何ですか? (What was the happiest news you heard recently about something resuming?)

将来、再開したいと思っている古い習慣はありますか? (Is there an old habit you want to resume in the future?)

「再開」という言葉から、どんなイメージを持ちますか? (What kind of image do you have from the word 'saikai'?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, you should use 'saikai' (再会) with the 'meeting' kanji. 'Saikai suru' (再開) is only for activities, events, or services. If you say 'Tomodachi to saikai suru' using the activity kanji, it sounds like you are restarting your friend like a machine.

It is primarily transitive (Object o saikai suru), but in modern Japanese, it is frequently used intransitively for events (Event ga saikai suru). To be safe in formal writing, use the passive 'sareru' for intransitive meanings.

'Saikai' is more formal and implies resuming exactly where you left off. 'Risuta-to' (restart) is more modern and can imply a fresh start or a 'do-over' from the beginning.

You use the phrase 'saikai mikomi' (再開見込み). For example, '10-ji saikai mikomi' means 'Expected to resume at 10:00'.

Usually, for a computer, you use 'saikidou' (再起動). 'Saikai' would be used if you paused a download and then resumed it.

The most direct opposites are 'chuudan' (interruption) or 'teishi' (suspension). 'Shuuryou' (end) is also an opposite in the sense of completion.

Yes, very often. If a game is stopped for rain or an injury, the referee will signal to 'saikai' the match.

You should use the humble form: 'Gyoumu o saikai itashimasu' (We will resume operations). It sounds very professional.

It can be either. You can 'saikai' a meeting after a 5-minute coffee break, or 'saikai' a manga series after a 5-year hiatus.

Yes, 'saikai' (再開) is the noun form. You can say 'Saikai no hi' (The day of resumption).

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'I will resume the meeting at 2:00.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The train resumed operation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'When will the shop reopen?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to Japanese: 'The match was resumed after the rain.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'saikai suru' and 'ashita'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence for 'We will resume sales'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about resuming a hobby.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The government is considering resuming travel support.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I am waiting for the resumption of the manga.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'saikai sareru' (passive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Let's resume the discussion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'There is no prospect of resumption.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He resumed his career as a writer.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The construction will resume next month.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I resumed my diet today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The search for the missing person was resumed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'We aim to resume fully by next year.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The referee signaled the resumption of the game.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a train delay and resumption.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The border trade was resumed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

How do you say 'resume' in Japanese?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell your colleague the meeting starts again at 3:00.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a station staff when the train will resume.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say you resumed your hobby recently.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone to resume the video.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain that the match was paused by rain but restarted.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Use 'saikai itashimasu' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say you will resume studying Japanese tomorrow.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask if the shop has reopened.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain that there is no plan to resume yet.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Let's resume the work.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe a manga resuming serialization.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I resumed reading the book.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The school will resume next month.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask 'Is the train operation resuming?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell your boss 'I will resume the task immediately.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The debate resumed.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'We are waiting for the resumption.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The power supply resumed.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Let's resume from where we stopped.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: '10-ji kara unten o saikai shimasu.' What time?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Gogo no kaigi wa saikai saremasu.' Is the meeting starting?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Eigyou saikai no oshirase.' What is it about?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Saikai no medo wa tatte imasen.' Is there a schedule?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Ashita kara saikai itashimasu.' When?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Jugyou ga saikai sareta.' What resumed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Zensen de saikai desu.' How much of the line?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Shiai saikai no hoissuru.' What happened?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Rensai saikai o oiwai shimashou.' What are they celebrating?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Dankaiteki na saikai.' How is it resuming?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Kouji o saikai suru koto ni natta.' What is decided?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Sousaku saikai.' What is resuming?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Hanbai o saikai shimashita.' Can you buy it now?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Koupan saikai no hakobi.' Where are they?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen for: 'Saikai no kizashi.' Are there signs of resumption?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

관련 콘텐츠

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