回復
kaifuku[ka̠iɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟]
The English word "restoration" can be translated into Japanese as 回復 (kaifuku), depending on the context. Wiktionary also lists 復旧 (fukkyū).
Meaning: the process of bringing an object back to its original state (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 回復 | kaifuku | [ka̠iɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 復旧 | fukkyū | [ɸɯ̟k̚ʲkʲɨː] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for restoration based on what is being restored. 回復 refers to the restoration of health, physical strength or a lost state or function. 復旧 is used specifically for restoring damaged infrastructure, systems or services, such as roads or power.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 復旧 is composed of the characters 復, meaning to restore or return and 旧, meaning old.
Which one should you use?
While 回復 focuses on the restoration of health or abilities, 復旧 is the term for restoring infrastructure and systems. Additionally, 復元 is a formal and commonly used term for restoration.
How do you pronounce it?
kaifuku
Did you know?
- In Japanese history, the 'Meiji Restoration' is called 明治維新, which uses 維新 instead of 回復 or 復旧 to imply a complete renewal and modernization.
- In Japanese gaming culture, 回復 is the standard term for 'healing' or 'HP recovery'. You will see it on every health potion or spell in a Japanese RPG.
- If you use 回復 to describe fixing a broken bridge, a Japanese speaker will understand you, but it will sound as if the bridge has recovered from a sickness.
Examples in context
- 体の機能の回復を待ちます。karada no kinou no kaifuku o machimasu.I will wait for the recovery of bodily functions.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at an old clock.
- 健太 Kentaこの時計、まだ直せますか？Kono tokei, mada naosemasu ka?Can this clock still be fixed?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、回復は可能です。Hai, kaifuku wa kanō desu.Yes, restoration is possible.
- 健太 Kenta本当ですか！お願いします。Hontō desu ka! Onegai shimasu.Really! Please do it.
- 結衣 Yuiわかりました。丁寧にやりますね。Wakarimashita. Teinei ni yarimasu ne.Understood. I will do it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “restoration” translations and entries 回復, 復旧, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
