How to say "Improvement" in Japanese

When translating "improvement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 改良 and 向上. In Japanese, 改良 (かいりょう (kairyō)) is typically associated with "improvement, reform, betterment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making something existing better, enhancing its quality, efficiency, or design. Often involves changes to systems, products, or methods. Can be a noun or する-verb. On the other hand, 向上 (こうじょう (kōjō)) maps to "improvement, advancement, progress" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 主に能力や技術、品質などがより良い状態になることを指します。動詞としては「向上する」や「向上させる」の形で使われます。. A literal translation of "improvement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!