Meaning and Usage
The verb 直す (なおす) primarily means "to fix," "to repair," or "to correct." It is a transitive verb used when someone actively changes something to make it right or functional again. This can apply to physical objects, like repairing a broken item, or abstract things, like correcting mistakes or errors in writing.
Common Contexts
- Repairing broken items: 壊れたものを直す (fix broken things).
- Correcting errors: 間違いを直す (correct mistakes).
- Modifying or improving something: 文章を直す (revise a sentence).
Collocations and Patterns
- 直してください: polite request to fix or correct something.
- 直してもらう: to have someone fix or correct something for you.
- 直し方: way or method of fixing.
Register and Nuance
直す is a common verb used in everyday conversation and writing. It is neutral in politeness but can be made polite with ください or もらう constructions. It is important not to confuse 直す with 直る (なおる), which is intransitive and means "to be fixed" or "to get better."
Common Learner Mistake
Learners often confuse 直す (transitive) with 直る (intransitive). Remember, 直す means "to fix something" (you do the action), while 直る means "something gets fixed" (it happens by itself or is fixed).