直す（なおす）

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）, 切る（きる）. 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） changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• 上げる（あげる）・上がる（あがる） — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
• 切る（きる） — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
• 切れない（きれない） — because it is another compound or result-focused pattern for actions.
• 込む（こむ） — 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:

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