mend

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 繕 has 18 strokes and expresses mending or putting appearances in order.
• Basic usage: 修繕 is read しゅうぜん, and 繕う is read つくろう.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 修繕 and 繕う
  • 修繕 means repair or mending.
  • 雨漏りする屋根の修繕を職人に頼んだ。 means “I asked a craftsperson to repair the leaking roof.”
  • 繕う means to mend or to keep up appearances.
  • 母はほつれた袖口を丁寧に繕った。 means “My mother carefully mended the frayed cuff.”