Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Change" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "change", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
改める
あらためる (arameru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おつり
おつり (otsuri)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "change" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 改める and おつり.
In Japanese, 改める (あらためる (arameru)) is typically associated with "to change, to reform, to revise, to correct" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for changing something for the better, correcting mistakes, or renewing plans/rules..
On the other hand, おつり (おつり (otsuri)) maps to "change (money)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Money returned after a purchase when you pay more than the exact amount.. A literal translation of "change" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "改める"
悪い習慣を改める。
To correct bad habits.
Bilingual Context for "おつり"
1000円札を出したら、300円のおつりをもらった。
When I paid with a 1000 yen bill, I received 300 yen in change.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "悪い習慣を ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To correct bad habits.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "改める" fits here because it means "to change, to reform, to revise, to correct" in the context of: "To correct bad habits.". "おつり" represents "change (money)".