Japanese word

改める

Pronunciation

Romajiaratameru

Meaning

  • verbchange

Example

生活習慣を改めます。sei katsu shū kan o arata me ma su

I will change my lifestyle habits.

Illustration for 改める (change)

More examples

先生の助言を受けて、勉強の方法を改めます。sen sei no jo gen o u ke te ben kyō no hō hō o arata me ma su

After receiving my teacher's advice, I will change the way I study.

Core concept

It describes intentionally correcting or reshaping an existing way of doing something rather than simply replacing it.

Common phrases

  • 習慣を改めるshū kan o arata me ru

    change one's habits

  • 態度を改めるtai do o arata me ru

    change one's attitude

  • 考えを改めるkanga e o arata me ru

    change one's mind

Similar words

変えるkaeru: To make a person, thing, or situation different in form, state, or content.
直すnaosu: To correct a fault or problem and bring something back to a proper condition.
正すtadasu: To correct behavior, thinking, or a situation that is wrong or out of order.

Definition in Japanese

習慣や態度などを、望ましいものにするために変える。shū kan ya tai do na do o nozo ma shi i mo no ni su ru ta me ni ka e ru

Word origin

改める (aratameru) comes from the older native form あらたむ (aratamu), which means to change, correct, or make something new.

Usage tips

  • 改める (aratameru) commonly applies to habits, attitudes, and conduct, so it can suggest self-improvement as well as simple change.

Other meanings

  • reviseverb
  • reformverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 改め方aratamekataway of changingnoun

Word lists with this word