Translation guide
The English phrase "be made" can refer to the creation of something, the material it is composed of, or the circumstances that cause something to happen. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that something is created, manufactured, or produced.
Passive form of 作る (to make). Used when the focus is on the thing being made, often without specifying the maker.
This car is made in Japan.
This cake was made by hand.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be made' or 'to be completed'. Often used for things that come into existence naturally or as a result of a process.
This desk is made of wood.
Wine is made from grapes.
Formal term for 'manufactured' or 'produced', used in industrial or technical contexts.
This part is manufactured overseas.
Describing what something is made of or consists of.
Pattern meaning 'is made of/from'. Use で to indicate the material. The verb できる implies the material is the source.
This bag is made of leather.
Tofu is made from soybeans.
Pattern meaning 'is made from'. から emphasizes the raw material or origin. Often used when the material undergoes a significant change.
Paper is made from trees.
Expressing that someone is forced or caused to do something.
Causative-passive form. Indicates being made to do something, often with a sense of being forced or compelled.
I was made to eat vegetables by my mother.
He was made to work overtime by his boss.
Passive form can sometimes imply being made to do something, especially in indirect or formal contexts. Less forceful than causative-passive.
I was made to speak at the meeting (lit. I was asked to speak).
Describing how something is structured or intended.
Pattern meaning 'is made to (do something)' or 'is designed so that'. Describes the intended function or mechanism.
This door is made to close automatically.
This machine is made to be easy to operate.
Both mean 'is made of/from', but 〜でできている focuses on the material as a component, while 〜から作られる emphasizes the transformation from raw material. For example, 木でできている (made of wood) vs 木から作られる (made from wood, implying processing).
Avoid directly translating 'be made to do' as 作られる (tsukurareru). Use causative-passive 〜させられる or passive 〜される depending on context.