1.
revival, restoration, comeback
The return of something that had ended, disappeared, or been discontinued. Used for customs, products, events, or phenomena that come back after a period of absence.
廃止された路線が復活した。
The discontinued route was restored.
人気のメニューが期間限定で復活する。
A popular menu item is coming back for a limited time.
伝統的な祭りが地域の努力で復活した。
A traditional festival was revived through the efforts of the local community.
2.
resurrection
Coming back to life from the dead, especially in a religious context. Also used figuratively for dramatic recoveries.
キリストの復活を祝う。
To celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
ゲームの主人公が復活した。
The main character in the game came back to life.
絶滅した生物をDNA技術で復活させることは可能だろうか。
Could it be possible to bring extinct species back to life using DNA technology?
USAGE:
Sense 1 is the more common usage in everyday Japanese — products, customs, services, or traditions being brought back. Sense 2 is used in religious contexts and in fiction (games, anime, etc.). 復活祭 refers to Easter.
The causative form 復活させる (to revive something, to bring something back) is also very common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 復活する: to be revived, to come back
- 復活させる: to revive, to bring back
- 復活祭: Easter
- 奇跡の復活: miraculous comeback