改正する

• Reading: かいせいする
• Romaji: kaisei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 改 (kai) — reform, change; 正 (sei) — correct, right
• Pronunciation: /ka.i.seː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To amend; to revise; to reform a law, regulation, or official document.

A する-verb combining 改正 (amendment/revision) with する. Primarily used in legal and political contexts for revising laws, constitutions, or regulations. Distinct from 改善する (improve) or 修正する (correct/modify), as 改正する specifically implies formal legislative or regulatory change.

Examples

1. 来年から交通法規を改正する方針が発表された。 A policy to revise the traffic laws starting next year was announced.
2. 憲法を改正するには国民投票が必要だ。 Amending the constitution requires a public referendum.
3. 労働基準法が改正されて残業のルールが変わった。 The Labor Standards Act was revised and the rules on overtime changed.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, regulations

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 改 (reform, change) + 正 (correct, right) + する. The kanji combination conveys the idea of changing something to make it correct or better.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal