Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Change" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "change", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
変更する
へんこうする (henkō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
翻意
ほんい (hon'i)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "change" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 変更する and 翻意.
In Japanese, 変更する (へんこうする (henkō suru)) is typically associated with "to change; to modify; to alter; to revise" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to changing or modifying existing plans, rules, settings, or decisions to something else. Slightly more formal than 変える. Often used as 予定を変更する or 設定を変更する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To change! "No matter what happens, my plan to love you forever will never change!" ...っ! T-To declare that your love is unchangeable! B-Baka! Don't make such eternal commitments so easily! But... since you said it, any modification to that statement is permanently forbidden! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『へんこう（変更）する！『ハルカさん、何があっても僕があなたを世界一幸せにするという決定は、永久に変更しません！』って…っ！そんな重大な設定変更不可の宣言をするなんてバカ！…私の方こそあんたへの愛は永遠に上書き保存で変更なしよ！覚悟しなさい！』.
On the other hand, 翻意 (ほんい (hon'i)) maps to "change of mind; reconsideration" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 一度決めたことや考えを改めること。主に「翻意する」「翻意を促す」といった形で使われる。Changing one's mind or reconsidering a decision or thought. Primarily used in phrases like "hon'i suru". A literal translation of "change" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "変更する"
急な出張の予定が入ってしまったため、彼は航空券の予約をキャンセルし、別の時間帯の便へスケジュールを_______せざるを得ませんでした。
Because a sudden business trip schedule came up, he had to cancel the flight ticket reservation and change the schedule to a flight in a different time slot.
Bilingual Context for "翻意"
彼は一度決めたら翻意しない人だ。
He is a person who doesn't change his mind once he has decided.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急な出張の予定が入ってしまったため、彼は航空券の予約をキャンセルし、別の時間帯の便へスケジュールを_______せざるを得ませんでした。" (Meaning: "Because a sudden business trip schedule came up, he had to cancel the flight ticket reservation and change the schedule to a flight in a different time slot.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "変更する" fits here because it means "to change; to modify; to alter; to revise" in the context of: "Because a sudden business trip schedule came up, he had to cancel the flight ticket reservation and change the schedule to a flight in a different time slot.". "翻意" represents "change of mind; reconsideration".