Japanese word

改装

Pronunciation

Romajikaisō

Meaning

  • nounrenovation

Example

古い家を改装します。furu i ie o kai sō shi ma su

We will renovate the old house.

Illustration for 改装 (renovation)

More examples

来月、学校の廊下を改装します。rai getsu gak kō no rō ka o kai sō shi ma su

We will renovate the school hallway next month.

Core concept

It describes improving the inside or outside of an existing building while keeping the basic structure in use.

Common phrases

  • 店舗の改装ten po no kai sō

    store renovation

  • 改装費kai sō hi

    renovation cost

  • 部分改装bu bun kai sō

    partial renovation

Similar words

改修kaishū: Work that repairs or improves an existing building or facility.
修繕shūzen: The repair of damage or wear in an existing building or facility.
模様替えmoyōkae: A change to the arrangement or appearance of a room or building's interior.
リフォームrifōmu: The everyday term for improving an existing home or building without rebuilding it completely.

Definition in Japanese

建物や店舗などの外観や内部を新しく整え直すこと。tate mono ya ten po na do no gai kan ya nai bu o atara shi ku totono e nao su ko to

Word origin

改装 (kaisō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 改 (kai, "change") and 装 (sō, "equip or decorate"), meaning a changed and renewed setup.

Usage tips

  • A place described as 改装中 (kaisōchū) is usually being updated rather than completely rebuilt, which makes the term useful on closure notices.

Other meanings

  • remodelingnoun
  • refurbishmentnoun

Word lists with this word