1To repair, correct, or restore something to its proper state — covers fixing objects, correcting mistakes, and tidying one's appearance.
パンクした自転車のタイヤを自分で直した。
I fixed my bicycle's flat tire myself.
先生に指摘された文法の間違いを直した。
I corrected the grammar mistakes the teacher pointed out.
会議の前にネクタイを直した。
I straightened my tie before the meeting.
崩れた化粧を直してから外に出た。
I fixed my smudged makeup before going outside.
落ち込んでいた気持ちを直して、また頑張ることにした。
I picked myself up out of my low mood and decided to try again.
2To change or convert something into a different form, such as translating text or converting a file format.
手書きの原稿をデータに直してから送った。
I converted the handwritten manuscript into digital data before sending it.
この文章を分かりやすい言葉に直してもらえますか。
Could you rephrase this text into simpler wording?
古い制度を今の時代に合うように直す必要がある。
The old system needs to be reformed to suit the current times.
3In Kansai dialect: to put something back in its place or tidy it away.
使うたもん、ちゃんと直しときや。
Put back whatever you used, properly. (Kansai dialect)
お皿洗ろたら棚に直しといて。
Once you've washed the dishes, put them away in the cupboard. (Kansai dialect)
4To cure or heal an illness or injury; in this sense usually written with the kanji 治す.
早く風邪を直して、旅行に行きたい。
I want to get over my cold quickly so I can go on the trip.
この薬を飲めば、腰の痛みが直ると言われた。
I was told that taking this medicine would cure my lower back pain.
5A dated sense meaning to promote or raise someone in rank or position; rarely used in modern Japanese.
旧記には、功績のある家臣を直して重役に取り立てたとある。
Old records state that meritorious retainers were promoted and raised to key positions.
6Attached to the -masu stem of a verb to mean "do again" or "redo."
分かりにくかったので、説明を一から考え直した。
It was hard to understand, so I rethought the explanation from scratch.
締め切りに間に合わなかったレポートを書き直した。
I rewrote the report that hadn't made the deadline.
一度失敗しても、諦めずにやり直せばいい。
Even if you fail once, it's fine to start over without giving up.