Japanese Conversation · Level 55
75 words
Japanese word
改良
Pronunciation
Romajikairyō
Meaning
- nounimprovement
Example
この機械には改良が必要です。ko no ki kai ni wa kai ryō ga hitsu yō de su
This machine needs improvement.
More examples
利用者の意見を反映した改良が求められています。ri yō sha no i ken o han ei shi ta kai ryō ga moto me ra re te i ma su
Improvements that reflect users' opinions are being requested.
Core concept
It refers to making an existing object, system, or method better rather than creating something entirely new.
Common phrases
改良を重ねるkai ryō o kasa ne ru
make continual improvements
大幅な改良ō haba na kai ryō
major improvement
改良の余地kai ryō no yo chi
room for improvement
Similar words
改善kaizen: The act of making a condition, situation, or process better.
改修kaishū: The act of repairing or modifying an existing structure, system, or piece of equipment.
改造kaizō: The act of changing an existing object or system, often to give it a different function.
Definition in Japanese
既にある物や方法などを改めて、以前よりよいものにすること。sude ni a ru mono ya hō hō na do o arata me te i zen yo ri yo i mo no ni su ru ko to
Word origin
改良 (kairyō, "improvement") joins 改 (kai, "revise") with 良 (ryō, "good"), expressing the idea of revising an existing thing to improve it.
Usage tips
- In Japanese manufacturing, 改良 (kairyō) often refers to a concrete upgrade to a product or machine, while kaizen usually emphasizes ongoing small improvements in a process.