Learning how to say “redo” in Japanese can be helpful in various situations, whether you are studying the language, communicating with Japanese-speaking friends, or traveling to Japan. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “redo” and provide tips, examples, and regional variations when necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Redo”
If you want to express the concept of “redo” formally in Japanese, you can use the following phrases:
1. やり直す (Yarinaosu)
This is the most common and versatile phrase that can be translated as “to redo” in English. It implies starting over or doing something again from the beginning. It can be used in various contexts, such as studying, work, or any activity that requires a fresh start.
Example:
Person A: この絵が気に入らないんです。
(Kono e ga ki ni iranain desu.)
Person B: やり直しましょうか？
(Yarinaoshimashou ka?)
Person A: はい、お願いします。
(Hai, onegaishimasu.)
Translation:
Person A: I’m not satisfied with this painting.
Person B: Shall we redo it?
Person A: Yes, please.
2. やりなおす (Yarinaosu)
This phrase also means “to redo” and is quite similar to the previous one. It is less formal than “やり直す” but still appropriate in most situations. It is often used in casual conversations and everyday language.
Example:
Person A: 昨日のプレゼン、失敗しちゃった。
(Kinou no purezen, shippai shichatta.)
Person B: 大丈夫、もう一度やりなおせばいいよ。
(Daijoubu, mou ichido yarinaoseba ii yo.)
Translation:
Person A: I failed the presentation yesterday.
Person B: It’s okay. Just redo it once more.
Informal Ways to Say “Redo”
When speaking informally, you can use the following phrases to express “redo” in Japanese:
1. やり直し (Yarinaoshi)
This phrase is the non-inflected form of “やり直す” and is commonly used in casual conversations or among friends. It is suitable for situations where politeness is unnecessary.
Example:
Person A: 君の作文、もう一度やり直しましょうか？
(Kimi no sakubun, mou ichido yarinaoshimashou ka?)
Person B: いいえ、大丈夫だと思います。
(Iie, daijoubu da to omoimasu.)
Translation:
Person A: Should we redo your essay?
Person B: No, I think it’s fine.
2. もう一度 (Mou ichido)
This phrase literally translates to “once more” and is commonly used to suggest redoing something informally. It is a straightforward and widely understood way to express the idea of doing something again.
Example:
Person A: この部分を直した方が良いかもしれない。
(Kono bubun o naoshita hou ga ii kamoshirenai.)
Person B: もう一度やってみよう。
(Mou ichido yatte miyou.)
Translation:
Person A: It might be better to fix this part.
Person B: Let’s try doing it again.
Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely used across Japan, it’s worth noting that there might be slight regional variations. However, these variations do not significantly impact the overall understanding of the meaning. Remember, language is dynamic, and different regions may have their unique ways of expressing “redo.”
1. やっちゃえ (Yacchae)
This expression is more commonly used in the Kansai region, which includes cities like Osaka and Kyoto. It has a strong local flavor and informal tone. Although it literally translates to “let’s do it again,” it carries an exciting and energetic connotation.
2. やりちょう (Yarichou)
This variant is specific to the Kyushu region, located in the southernmost part of Japan. It is similar in meaning to “やり直し” but follows the regional dialect. If you find yourself in Kyushu, you may come across this phrase when asking someone to redo or start over.
Conclusion
Knowing how to express “redo” in Japanese can facilitate better communication and understanding. In formal situations, “やり直す” and “やりなおす” are commonly used, while in informal contexts, “やり直し” and “もう一度” are more appropriate. Remember that regional variations exist, such as “やっちゃえ” in the Kansai region and “やりちょう” in Kyushu. By utilizing these phrases and understanding their nuances, you can confidently navigate conversations in Japanese and express the need to redo something effectively.
Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to ask native speakers or language partners for help or further examples. Happy learning!
