Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 復活させる | fukkatsu saseru |
| 甦らせる | yomigaeraseru |
The verb means to bring something back to life. Different forms are used depending on what is being revived: 復活させる is used for abstract things like systems, traditions or a person's reputation, as well as for physical resurrection. 甦らせる is used to bring back life, a soul or a sense of vitality to something that was fading. When specifically referring to reviving a person, 生き返らせる is often used. In medical or emergency contexts, such as resuscitating someone, 蘇生する is common. For literary or artistic contexts, 蘇る can mean to revive or to come back to life. Finally, 生き返る is a related synonym for revive.
What does it mean word for word?
The form 復活させる is a causative construction where 復活 (fukkatsu – revival) is combined with the causative verb させる (saseru – to make/let happen), literally meaning to make something undergo a revival.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something has been revived in the past tense, you can use 復活した or 復活させた, depending on whether the subject is the thing itself or the agent of the revival.
How do you pronounce it?
fukkatsu saseru
Did you know?
- The term 生き返る is often used figuratively when someone takes a sip of water or a cold drink on a hot day, meaning they feel 'revived' or refreshed.
- The term 蘇生 (sosei) is not just for medical resuscitation but is also the standard term used in fantasy RPGs for 'reviving' a fallen party member.
- If you are talking about a 'comeback' in sports, such as a team overcoming a deficit, Japanese speakers often use 復活 rather than a word for 'return'.
Examples in context
- 復活するためには、最善策を考えなければならない。In order to revive, we must consider the best course of action.
- 医師は患者を生き返らせるために全力を尽くしています。The doctor is doing their best to revive the patient.
- 応急処置を行い、心臓を蘇生させる必要があります。It is necessary to provide first aid and revive the heart.
- 時間がたてば、大地は再びよみがえるだろう。Given time, the earth will revive once again.
- 彼の音楽は私たちの心を蘇らせる。His music revives our hearts.
- 枯れた花を復活させることは難しいです。Kareta hana o fukkatsu saseru koto wa muzukashii desu.It is difficult to revive withered flowers.
- 彼は失われた伝統を復活させることに成功した。Kare wa ushinawareta dentou o fukkatsu saseru koto ni seikou shita.He succeeded in reviving lost traditions.
- 新しい技術で古いゲームを復活させる。Atarashii gijutsu de furui geemu o fukkatsu saseru.Revive an old game with new technology.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a historical video game project.
- 陽葵 Himariこの古いゲームを復活させるつもりですか？Kono furui geemu o fukkatsu saseru tsumori desu ka?Do you intend to revive this old game?
- 健太 Kentaはい、陽葵さんの協力が必要です。Hai, Himari-san no kyouryoku ga hitsuyou desu.Yes, I need your cooperation, Himari.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんは本当に熱心ですね。Kenta-san wa hontou ni nesshin desu ne.You are really enthusiastic, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta名作を復活させるのは素晴らしい仕事です。Meisaku o fukkatsu saseru no wa subarashii shigoto desu.Reviving a masterpiece is a wonderful job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “revive” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
