Meaning and Usage
The verb 改める (あらためる) means "to change," "to reform," or "to revise." It is often used in formal or official contexts such as revising laws, rules, or documents, but it can also apply to personal attitudes or behaviors.
Common Contexts
- Legal or official revisions: 改める is frequently used when talking about changing laws, regulations, or official procedures.
- Personal improvement: It can mean to change one's attitude or behavior for the better.
- Reconfirmation or repetition: Sometimes it means to do something again or to check something carefully.
Collocations and Patterns
- 法律を改める (ほうりつをあらためる): to revise a law
- 態度を改める (たいどをあらためる): to change one's attitude
- 名前を改めて登録する (なまえをあらためてとうろくする): to register a name again
Nuances and Tips
- 改める is more formal and deliberate than simply changing something; it implies improvement or correction.
- It is often used in written or formal spoken Japanese.
- Do not confuse 改める with 変える (かえる), which is a more general word for "change." 改める often implies a conscious, positive change or correction.
- When used with people’s attitudes or behaviors, it suggests self-reflection and improvement.