向上をする

You’ll usually see this phrase paired with nouns that represent a quality or a skill. For example, 技術の向上をする (to improve one's technique) or 生活水準の向上をする (to improve the standard of living). Because it sounds a bit formal and deliberate, it’s a favorite in performance reviews, goal-setting sessions, or even in those "New Year, New Me" Instagram captions. You use it when you want to sound like you have a plan. It’s like saying, "I’m not just getting better; I’m executing a strategy for greatness." If you're talking to a close friend about getting better at a video game, you might just say 上手くなる (get better), but if you're writing a blog post about your journey to the pro leagues, 技術の向上をする gives it that professional, dedicated edge.

Picture this: You’re in a Zoom interview and they ask about your weaknesses. Instead of saying "I'm bad at coding," you say, プログラミングスキルの向上をしています (I am working on improving my programming skills). Boom—instant professional points. Or maybe you're scrolling through TikTok and see a fitness influencer talking about their 意識の向上 (raising awareness/mindset). They aren't just "thinking about it"; they are actively elevating their mental game. You’ll also find this on official websites, like when Netflix explains they are サービスの向上をしています (improving their service) to justify why they just raised your subscription price. It makes the change sound like a noble quest for quality rather than just a price hike.

Use this phrase when the focus is on progress, growth, and higher standards. It’s perfect for professional settings, academic goals, and serious self-improvement. If you’re writing a LinkedIn update about a certification you just got, this is your best friend. It’s also great for describing societal changes, like improving public health or educational standards. Basically, if there’s an "upward" trajectory involved and you want to sound focused and intentional, this is the phrase to grab. It’s the "Suit and Tie" version of the word "improve."

Do not use 向上をする for physical repairs. If your car won't start, saying you'll 向上をする it sounds like you’re going to give the engine a pep talk and a promotion instead of actually fixing the spark plugs. For that, use 修理する (repair). Also, avoid using it for things that are strictly quantitative without a quality aspect. You don't "improve" the number of apples you have; you "increase" (増やす) them. And lastly, it’s a bit heavy for very casual, tiny things. You wouldn't "improve" your choice of socks for the day unless you're a world-class sock model. For daily stuff, keep it simple.

Learners often mix this up with 改善する (kaizen). Remember: 改善 is for fixing something that is wrong or inefficient. 向上 is for taking something good and making it better. Another big one is using it with people as the direct object. You don't "improve a person" (人を向上をする) in a way that sounds like you're their manager; you improve a *quality* of that person.

• ✗ 壊れたパソコンを向上をする → ✓ 壊れたパソコンを修理する (Fix the broken PC)
• ✗ 体重を向上をする → ✓ 体力を向上をする (You don't improve your weight, you improve your physical strength!)

If you want to sound a bit more business-y, you can use 改善する (kaizen), which we mentioned is for fixing problems. If you're talking specifically about a skill getting better through practice, 上達する (jōtatsu) is a fantastic, more common choice for hobbies like piano or Japanese. For something that is just overall "getting better" in a natural way, 良くなる (yoku naru) is the go-to casual version. Think of 向上 as the CEO, 上達 as the skilled craftsman, and 良くなる as the friendly neighbor. They all want the same thing, but their vibes are totally different.

The most common variation is simply 向上する (dropping the を). It’s smoother and used more often in daily speech. You might also hear 向上を目指す (aim for improvement), which adds a layer of aspiration. In formal documents, you’ll see 向上を図る (kōjō o hakaru), which means "to plan/strive for improvement." It sounds very official, like something you'd read in a government report or a very serious company memo. It’s the "we are taking strategic steps" version of the phrase.

Is 向上をする the same as 向上する? Mostly, yes. Adding を just makes the "improvement" part feel more like a noun, like a specific thing you are doing. Is it okay for slang? Not really. It’s a bit too stiff for slang, but you might use it ironically if you’re "improving" your ability to eat pizza. Can I use it for my grades? Absolutely! 成績の向上をする is a very common way to talk about getting better marks. It sounds like you've got a study plan and you're not just getting lucky on the next test.