1.
to reform, to revise, to correct
To change something for the better, to amend or correct faults, habits, or systems.
態度を改める。
To change one's attitude.
法律を改める必要がある。
There is a need to revise the law.
生活習慣を改めなければ健康に悪い。
If you don't change your lifestyle habits, it will be bad for your health.
2.
to examine, to inspect, to check
To look at something carefully to verify or confirm it. Often used for formal inspections such as checking tickets or identification.
切符を改める。
To inspect tickets.
身分証明書を改めさせていただきます。
I will check your identification.
改めて確認したところ、間違いが見つかった。
When I checked again, I found a mistake.
USAGE:
An ichidan verb with two distinct meanings. Sense 1 (reform/revise) is the more common meaning in everyday use. Sense 2 (examine/inspect) appears in formal or official contexts. The adverb 改めて means "again, anew, afresh" and is extremely common in both spoken and written Japanese.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 態度を改める: to reform one's attitude
- 名前を改める: to change one's name
- 改めて: again, afresh, anew
- 改めてお礼を申し上げます: I would like to express my thanks once again (formal)
KANJI NOTE:
The kanji 改 appears in many compound words related to change and revision: 改善 (improvement), 改革 (reform), 改正 (amendment).