補修 in 30 Seconds
- Focuses on 'patching' or 'mending' specific damaged parts.
- Commonly used for infrastructure, buildings, and clothing.
- Often functions as a suru-verb (補修する).
- Distinguished from 'shūri' (mechanical repair) and 'shūsei' (text correction).
The Japanese word 補修 (hoshū) is a nuanced term primarily categorized as a noun, though it frequently functions as a suru-verb (補修する). At its core, it refers to the act of repairing, mending, or touching up something that has suffered minor damage, wear and tear, or deterioration over time. Unlike broader terms for repair, 補修 specifically implies a restorative process aimed at bringing an object back to its original functional state or aesthetic quality by addressing specific localized issues. It is the linguistic equivalent of 'patching things up' or 'performing maintenance repairs.'
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first kanji, 補 (ho), means to supplement, supply, or make up for a deficiency. The second kanji, 修 (shū), carries the meaning of discipline, study, or more relevantly here, to mend and improve. Together, they describe the act of 'supplementing and mending' a structure or object.
- Physical Scope
- This term is most frequently applied to physical infrastructure. Think of a road with a small pothole; you don't replace the whole road, you perform 補修. Think of a wall with a crack; you apply filler and paint, which is 補修. It suggests a targeted intervention rather than a complete overhaul.
- Functional Context
- In professional settings, 補修 is often part of a maintenance cycle. It is the proactive step taken to prevent minor damage from becoming catastrophic failure. For example, in the context of historical preservation, 補修 is the delicate work of maintaining ancient temples without changing their original character.
道路のひび割れを補修する必要があります。(Dōro no hibiware o hoshū suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.)
この古い建物の外壁は、定期的に補修されています。(Kono furui tatemono no gaiheki wa, teikiteki ni hoshū sarete imasu.)
靴のつま先を補修して、また履けるようにした。(Kutsu no tsumasaki o hoshū shite, mata hikeru yō ni shita.)
ダムのコンクリート部分に補修工事が行われた。(Damu no konkuriito bubun ni hoshū kōji ga okonawareta.)
破れた衣服を丁寧に補修する。(Yabureta ifuku o teinei ni hoshū suru.)
Using 補修 (hoshū) correctly requires understanding its specific domain. It is most at home in construction, civil engineering, and garment care. It is rarely used for electronic devices or complex machinery unless you are talking about the physical casing or external structure.
1. As a Noun
In its noun form, it often precedes words like 工事 (kōji - construction) or 作業 (sagyō - work).
- 補修工事 (Hoshū kōji): Repair work/Renovation work.
- 補修箇所 (Hoshū kasho): The specific spot needing repair.
- 補修材 (Hoshū-zai): Repair materials (like putty or tape).
2. As a Verb (補修する)
When used as a verb, it follows the standard [Object] + を + 補修する pattern. It implies a deliberate, often professional action.
Example: 壁の穴を補修する。 (Kabe no ana o hoshū suru.) - To repair a hole in the wall.
3. Common Scenarios
Here are the primary contexts where you will encounter this word:
- Infrastructure & Buildings
- Used for roads, bridges, tunnels, and house maintenance. If a roof leaks, you perform 補修 on the shingles.
- Clothing & Textiles
- Used for mending holes in socks, patching jeans, or fixing a snag in a sweater. It carries a sense of craftsmanship.
- Art & Antiques
- Used when a painting or a ceramic bowl (like Kintsugi) is restored. It emphasizes the 'filling in' of gaps.
Note that 補修 is often used in formal reports or professional manuals. If you are telling a friend you fixed your bike, you'd likely use 直す (naosu) or 修理する (shūri suru). If you are reading a city notice about roadwork, you will see 補修.
You will encounter 補修 (hoshū) in various specific environments, ranging from public notices to specialized retail stores. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the word's 'weight' and formality.
1. Public Infrastructure Notices
If you live in Japan, you will frequently see signs on the street or in apartment buildings. Signs saying 「道路補修工事中」 (Road repair work in progress) or 「外壁補修のお知らせ」 (Notice of exterior wall repair) are ubiquitous. In these cases, it signifies a planned maintenance activity intended to ensure safety and longevity.
2. Home Improvement Stores (DIY)
Walk into a 'Home Center' (like Cainz or Kohnan) in Japan, and you will find a section dedicated to 補修用品 (Hoshū yōhin). This aisle contains wood filler, wall putty, leather repair kits, and waterproof tapes. Here, the word is used to empower the consumer to fix things themselves.
3. Real Estate and Renting
When moving out of an apartment in Japan, the term 原状回復 (genjō kaifuku - restoration to original state) is often discussed. Within this process, 補修費用 (hoshū hiyō - repair costs) for scratches on the floor or marks on the wallpaper are calculated. It is a very 'practical' word in financial disputes between landlords and tenants.
4. Clothing Alteration Shops
Shops that offer かけつぎ (kaketsugi - invisible mending) or general alterations often use 補修 in their service menus. If you have an expensive suit with a cigarette burn, you ask for 補修.
5. Professional Reports
In engineering or architectural documents, 補修 is the standard technical term. It sounds more precise and professional than the colloquial 'naosu'.
Because Japanese has several words for 'repair' and 'fix,' learners often mix them up. Here are the most common pitfalls when using 補修 (hoshū).
1. Confusing 補修 (Hoshū) with 補習 (Hoshū)
This is the #1 mistake for students. They are homophones (pronounced exactly the same).
• 補修 (Repair): Fixing a wall.
• 補習 (Supplementary Study): Extra classes after school for students who failed a test.
Context is key. If you say 'I'm going to hoshū,' people will assume school unless you are holding a hammer.
2. Using it for Electronics
You generally do not use 補修 for a broken iPhone, a computer, or a microwave. For these, use 修理 (shūri). 補修 implies a physical, structural, or surface-level 'patching.' You wouldn't 'patch' a software bug or a broken circuit board with 補修.
3. Confusing with 修正 (Shūsei)
修正 (Shūsei) means 'correction' or 'amendment.' It is used for text, data, schedules, or plans. If you 'fix' a typo, it is 修正. If you 'fix' a hole in the wall, it is 補修. Using 補修 for a typo would sound like you are physically pasting paper over the error.
4. Over-formality
If you just glued a broken toy back together for your child, saying 補修しました sounds a bit like a government report. In casual daily life, 直した (naoshita) is much more natural. Save 補修 for when you are describing the process or method of repair, or in professional/formal contexts.
To truly master 補修, you must understand its neighbors in the 'repair' family. Each has a specific flavor.
- 修理 (Shūri)
- The most general word for 'repair.' It applies to machines, tools, and mechanical items. If it has moving parts or electricity, use 修理.
- 修繕 (Shūzen)
- Very similar to 補修, but often implies a larger scale or a more comprehensive 'fixing up.' It is frequently used for houses (e.g., 大規模修繕 - large-scale renovation). 補修 is more about the specific 'patch,' while 修繕 is about the 'restoration.'
- 補正 (Hosei)
- This means 'compensation' or 'adjustment.' It is used in photography (exposure compensation), budgets (supplementary budget), or tailoring (adjusting the fit of a suit). It’s about 'correcting a deviation' rather than 'fixing damage.'
- 繕う (Tsukurou)
- A native Japanese verb (kun-yomi) meaning to mend or tidy up. It is commonly used for clothing (socks, seams) and has a warm, domestic feel. 補修 is the technical/Sino-Japanese equivalent.
- 復旧 (Fukkyū)
- Used for restoring services or systems after a disaster or failure. 'Restoring the power grid' or 'restoring train service' uses 復旧.
In summary: 補修 is the 'patch,' 修理 is the 'fix,' 修繕 is the 'renovation,' and 修正 is the 'edit.'
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs (Noun + suru)
Relative clauses (補修が必要な...)
Passive voice (補修される)
Benefactive (~te morau/kureru)
Purpose (tame ni)
Examples by Level
かべをほしゅうします。
I will repair the wall.
Simple [Object] + を + [Verb] structure.
このくつはほしゅうがひつようです。
These shoes need repair.
Noun + が + 必要 (hitsuyō - necessary).
どうろをほしゅうしています。
They are repairing the road.
Present continuous (~te imasu).
ほしゅうのどうぐをかいました。
I bought repair tools.
Noun + の + Noun.
ふくをほしゅうしました。
I mended the clothes.
Past tense of suru-verb.
ここはほしゅうしましたか？
Was this part repaired?
Question form.
ほしゅうはかんたんです。
The repair is easy.
Noun + は + Adjective.
きれいにはしゅうしてください。
Please repair it neatly.
Adverb + ni + verb.
古いフェンスを自分で補修した。
I repaired the old fence by myself.
Use of 'jibun de' (by oneself).
床のキズを補修する材料を探しています。
I'm looking for materials to repair the scratches on the floor.
Noun + を + verb-ing (sagashite imasu).
このバッグは補修すればまだ使えます。
If you repair this bag, you can still use it.
Conditional form (~reba).
業者が屋根を補修してくれた。
The contractor repaired the roof for me.
Benefactive construction (~te kureta).
補修が必要な場所をチェックしましょう。
Let's check the places that need repair.
Relative clause modifying 'basho'.
壁紙を補修するのは難しいですか？
Is it difficult to repair wallpaper?
Nominalizing a verb with 'no wa'.
自転車のサドルを補修しました。
I repaired the bicycle saddle.
Specific object 'sadoru'.
補修のやり方をYouTubeで見ました。
I watched how to do the repair on YouTube.
Noun + no + yarikata (way of doing).
コンクリートのひび割れを樹脂で補修する。
Repair the cracks in the concrete with resin.
Instrumental particle 'de'.
アパートを退去する際、壁の補修費用を請求された。
When moving out of the apartment, I was charged for wall repair costs.
Passive voice 'seikyū sareta'.
この歴史的な建物は、定期的な補修によって守られている。
This historical building is protected through regular repairs.
Means/Method 'ni yotte'.
衣服の虫食い穴をきれいに補修してもらった。
I had the moth holes in my clothes neatly mended.
Causative-benefactive 'shite moratta'.
道路の補修工事のため、夜間通行止めになります。
Due to road repair work, it will be closed to traffic at night.
Reason 'no tame'.
補修箇所が多すぎて、一日では終わりません。
There are too many repair spots, so it won't be finished in one day.
Excessive 'sugiru'.
防水スプレーを使って、テントの布地を補修した。
I repaired the tent fabric using waterproof spray.
Te-form for sequence of actions.
この家具は補修する価値があると思います。
I think this furniture is worth repairing.
Noun + no + kachi ga aru (is worth).
橋梁の老朽化が進んでおり、緊急の補修が求められている。
The aging of the bridges is progressing, and urgent repairs are required.
Formal passive 'motomerarete iru'.
塗装が剥げた部分を部分的に補修することで、コストを抑えた。
By partially repairing the areas where the paint peeled, costs were kept down.
Gerund-like usage 'suru koto de'.
補修材の選定は、建物の耐久性に大きく影響する。
The selection of repair materials greatly affects the durability of the building.
Subject is a noun phrase.
専門家による補修作業が、来週から始まる予定だ。
Repair work by experts is scheduled to begin next week.
Noun + ni yoru (by).
トンネル内部のコンクリート剥落を防ぐための補修が行われた。
Repairs were carried out to prevent concrete from falling inside the tunnel.
Purpose 'tame no'.
見た目だけでなく、機能面もしっかり補修する必要がある。
It is necessary to repair not only the appearance but also the functional aspects thoroughly.
Not only A but also B (A dake de naku B mo).
長年の使用により、ソファーの革が傷んだので補修に出した。
The leather of the sofa was damaged due to years of use, so I sent it for repair.
Reason 'ni yori'.
補修後の仕上がりは、新品と見間違えるほどだった。
The finish after the repair was so good that it could be mistaken for a new one.
Extent 'hodo'.
インフラの維持管理において、事後的な補修よりも予防的なメンテナンスが重視されている。
In infrastructure maintenance, preventative maintenance is emphasized over reactive repair.
Comparison 'yori mo'.
文化財の補修には、当時の技法を忠実に再現することが求められる。
In the repair of cultural properties, it is required to faithfully reproduce the techniques of that time.
Nominalized clause as a subject.
経年劣化による構造上の欠陥を補修し、耐震性を高める。
Repair structural defects caused by aging and increase earthquake resistance.
Compound nouns.
その場しのぎの補修では、根本的な解決にはならない。
A stopgap repair will not be a fundamental solution.
Idiomatic 'sono ba shinogi' (stopgap).
ダムの堤体に生じた微細なクラックを、高圧注入法で補修する。
Repair fine cracks in the dam body using a high-pressure injection method.
Technical terminology.
補修工事に伴う騒音について、近隣住民への説明会が開かれた。
A briefing session was held for local residents regarding the noise associated with the repair work.
Associated with 'ni tomonau'.
剥離したタイルを一枚ずつ手作業で補修していく地道な作業だ。
It is a steady task of repairing peeled tiles one by one by hand.
Progressive aspect '~te iku'.
予算の制約がある中で、優先順位をつけて補修箇所を決定する。
While there are budget constraints, the repair locations are determined by prioritizing.
Circumstance 'naka de'.
高度経済成長期に建設された社会資本の老朽化が深刻化し、補修サイクルの短縮が喫緊の課題となっている。
The aging of social capital built during the period of high economic growth is becoming serious, and shortening the repair cycle is an urgent issue.
Complex socio-economic context.
当該箇所の補修に際しては、周囲の景観との調和を乱さないよう細心の注意が払われた。
When repairing the area in question, meticulous care was taken not to disturb the harmony with the surrounding landscape.
Formal 'ni saishite wa' (upon/when).
補修の是非を巡って、住民の間で意見が二分されている。
Opinions are divided among residents regarding the pros and cons of the repair.
Concerning 'o megutte'.
最新の自己治癒コンクリート技術は、将来的に大規模な補修を不要にする可能性を秘めている。
The latest self-healing concrete technology has the potential to make large-scale repairs unnecessary in the future.
Potential 'kanōsei o himete iru'.
資産価値を維持するためには、単なる補修に留まらず、付加価値を高める改修が必要だ。
In order to maintain asset value, it is necessary to go beyond mere repair and carry out renovations that increase added value.
Not limited to 'ni todomarazu'.
補修履歴のデジタル化により、効率的なインフラ管理体制が構築されつつある。
With the digitalization of repair histories, an efficient infrastructure management system is being built.
Ongoing process '~tsutsu aru'.
伝統建築の補修は、単なる物理的な修復を超え、文化の継承という側面を併せ持つ。
The repair of traditional architecture goes beyond mere physical restoration and also has the aspect of cultural inheritance.
Complex abstract concepts.
補修工事の遅延が、地域経済の停滞を招く恐れがあるとの指摘がなされた。
It was pointed out that delays in repair work could lead to stagnation of the local economy.
Fear/Risk 'osore ga aru'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Usually implies small to medium scale 'patching' rather than building from scratch.
Always refers to physical objects, never abstract concepts like relationships or data.
Common in business and technical Japanese.
- Using it for electronic devices (use 修理 instead).
- Confusing it with 補習 (supplementary study).
- Using it for abstract corrections (use 修正 instead).
- Using it for a total rebuild (use 改築 or 再建 instead).
- Misspelling the kanji 補 (forgetting the clothing radical).
Tips
Remember the Left Side
The left part of 補 is the 'clothing' radical (衣). Think of mending clothes to remember the meaning.
Construction Signs
Look for 補修 on yellow construction signs in Japan to see it in the wild.
DIY Aisle
Search for 補修 at a Tokyu Hands or Cainz to find cool Japanese repair gadgets.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that adding 'suru' makes it an action. It's very versatile.
The Long U
Make sure to hear the 'shū' as a long sound, otherwise it might sound like 'hoshu' (conservative).
Professionalism
Use this word in business emails when discussing office maintenance.
Pair with Kōji
Learn it as the set 'hoshū kōji' (repair work) for maximum utility.
Mottainai Connection
Connect it to the Japanese value of taking care of things.
Object Marker
Always use the 'o' particle for the thing you are fixing.
Hole-Shoe
Hoshū = Fixing a Hole in your Shoe.
Memorize It
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kango)
Cultural Context
In traditional arts, 補修 is a skill passed down through generations.
Japan has a massive DIY (Do It Yourself) culture centered around 'Home Centers' where 補修 products are bestsellers.
The word is frequently in the news regarding the 'Aging Society' and 'Aging Infrastructure.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"この壁のキズ、自分で補修できますか？ (Can I repair this wall scratch myself?)"
"補修工事はいつ終わりますか？ (When will the repair work finish?)"
"おすすめの補修材はありますか？ (Do you have any recommended repair materials?)"
"この靴、補修すればまだ履けますよね？ (If I repair these shoes, I can still wear them, right?)"
"アパートの補修費用、高すぎませんか？ (Isn't the apartment repair fee too high?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、家の中で補修した場所について書いてください。 (Write about a place in your house you repaired today.)
お気に入りの服を補修して長く着ることについてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about mending favorite clothes to wear them longer?)
街で見かけた補修工事の様子を説明してください。 (Describe the repair work you saw in town.)
日本の「もったいない」精神と補修の関係について考えてください。 (Think about the relationship between the 'Mottainai' spirit and repair.)
もし自分が歴史的な建物を補修するなら、どこを直したいですか？ (If you were to repair a historical building, what would you want to fix?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 補修 is strictly for physical objects. For a heart, you might use 'iyasu' (heal) or 'naosu' (fix) in a poetic sense, but never 補修.
Yes, very common in daily life, especially on signs, in stores, and in professional contexts. Every Japanese person knows it.
メンテナンス (maintenance) is the broad category of keeping things working. 補修 is the specific act of fixing a damaged part within that maintenance.
No, use 'shūsei' (correction) or 'bagu o naosu' (fix a bug).
Yes, though 'tsukeru' (attach) is more common for buttons. 補修 is better for fixing a hole in the fabric.
Yes, it is the standard word for filling potholes or fixing cracks in the asphalt.
It refers to materials like putty, tape, or glue used specifically for repairing things.
You can say 'hoshū-chū' (補修中).
It is more formal than 'naosu' but less formal than 'shūzen' or 'shūfuku'.
For the engine, use 'shūri'. For a scratch on the paint, you can use 'hoshū'.
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Summary
Use 補修 (hoshū) when you are talking about the physical act of patching up a hole, crack, or tear in a structure or fabric to restore its integrity and appearance.
- Focuses on 'patching' or 'mending' specific damaged parts.
- Commonly used for infrastructure, buildings, and clothing.
- Often functions as a suru-verb (補修する).
- Distinguished from 'shūri' (mechanical repair) and 'shūsei' (text correction).
Remember the Left Side
The left part of 補 is the 'clothing' radical (衣). Think of mending clothes to remember the meaning.
Construction Signs
Look for 補修 on yellow construction signs in Japan to see it in the wild.
DIY Aisle
Search for 補修 at a Tokyu Hands or Cainz to find cool Japanese repair gadgets.
Suru-Verb Power
Remember that adding 'suru' makes it an action. It's very versatile.
Example
道路を補修します。
Related Content
More Tools words
点検
A1An inspection or check-up performed to ensure that machinery, equipment, or systems are working correctly and safely. It involves looking over specific points to find any problems or defects.
修理
A1The act of fixing or restoring something that is broken, damaged, or not working correctly. It is most commonly used for physical objects like machines, electronics, tools, and buildings.
修復
A1The act of repairing or restoring something that has been damaged, broken, or degraded back to its original or functional state. It is used for physical objects like buildings and art, as well as abstract things like human relationships.
