改める

• Reading: あらためる
• Romaji: aratameru
• Kanji breakdown: 改 (kai/arata) — reform, correct, renew
• Pronunciation: /a.ɾa.ta.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To change; to reform; to revise; to renew. Implies deliberate correction or improvement of something that was inadequate or incorrect.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. 改める spans a wide range of registers and contexts. It can mean reforming one's conduct (態度を改める), revising a document (規則を改める), or even formally re-examining something (改めて確認する). The sense of intentional improvement distinguishes it from mere change (変わる). In business and institutional contexts it is widely used for policy revisions and procedural updates.

Examples

1. 失敗を素直に認め、態度を改めることが信頼回復への第一歩だ。 Honestly acknowledging one's mistakes and reforming one's attitude is the first step toward rebuilding trust.
2. 就職を機に生活習慣を改め、早寝早起きを続けるようにした。 Using the start of employment as an opportunity, she reformed her lifestyle habits and kept to an early-to-bed, early-to-rise routine.
3. 時代に合わない古い規則を改めるには、組織全体の合意が必要だ。 Revising outdated rules that no longer fit the times requires the consensus of the entire organisation.

Usage Guide

Context: business, self-improvement, law, daily life

Tone: constructive

Origin & History

From the kanji 改 (kai), meaning to correct, reform, or renew. The character combines 己 (self) and 攴 (to strike/act upon), suggesting the act of working upon oneself or something to make it better.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: General