# 直す（なおす）: do again; redo

> Learn how to use 直す（なおす）, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning do again; redo, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-naosu/

**直す（なおす）** means **do again; redo**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **show doing an action again to fix or improve it**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **show doing an action again to fix or improve it**, **直す（なおす）** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does 直す（なおす） mean?

Use **直す（なおす）** when you want to **show doing an action again to fix or improve it**.

Natural translations include:
- do again; redo
- do again
- do again / redo

## How to form 直す（なおす）

Verbます-stem + 直す

Examples of the pattern:
- 書き直す
- 考え直す
- 作り直す

## When is 直す（なおす） used?

Use **直す（なおす）** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## 直す（なおす） example sentences

- 作文を書き直した。 — I rewrote my essay.
- もう一度考え直してください。 — Please reconsider it.
- 壊れた椅子を作り直した。 — I rebuilt the broken chair.
- 言い方が悪かったので、言い直した。 — My wording was bad, so I said it again differently.
- 計画を最初からやり直そう。 — Let’s redo the plan from the beginning.

## Nuance of 直す（なおす）

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “do again; redo” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **直す（なおす）** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **もう一度**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## 直す（なおす） vs もう一度

Both **直す（なおす）** and **もう一度** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**直す（なおす）**:
- means **do again; redo**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**もう一度**:
- もう一度 only means one more time; 直す implies correcting or improving

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 作文を書き直した。 — I rewrote my essay.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **もう一度** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with 直す（なおす）

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using 直す with the wrong form
- Confusing 直す with もう一度
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is 直す（なおす） on the JLPT?

Yes. **直す（なおす）** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

## Practice questions for 直す（なおす）

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using 直す.
- Contrast 直す with もう一度.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for 直す（なおす）

To learn **直す（なおす）** efficiently, review verb-stem compounds first, then notice whether the pattern stresses completion, excess, continuation, or a result.

1. First, make sure you can form **直す（なおす）** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる）](/blog/n3-ageru/), [切る（きる）](/blog/n3-kiru/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences about finishing projects, using something up, or actions continuing; then check whether replacing **直す（なおす）** with [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる）](/blog/n3-ageru/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [切る（きる）](/blog/n3-kiru/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [切れない（きれない）](/blog/n3-kirenai/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
- [込む（こむ）](/blog/n3-komu/) — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.

## Learn 直す（なおす） with Hane

If you want to review **直す（なおす）** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)