Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'do up' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: fastening or closing something, renovating or redecorating, wrapping or packaging, and styling hair or clothing. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese equivalents.
To fasten, button, zip, tie, or close an item of clothing, a bag, or a container.
General verb for fastening or tightening something like a belt, tie, or seatbelt. Also used for closing a bag or container.
シートベルトを締めてください。
Please do up your seatbelt.
ネクタイを締める。
To do up a tie.
Used for closing things like doors, windows, or lids. Not for clothing fasteners.
Do not use for clothing fasteners; use 締める or specific verbs like ボタンをかける.
窓を閉めてください。
Please do up the window.
Specifically for doing up buttons.
コートのボタンをかけて。
Do up your coat buttons.
Specifically for doing up a zipper.
バッグのファスナーを閉めて。
Do up the zipper on your bag.
To repair, renovate, or redecorate a room, building, or object.
General term for renovating or remodeling a building or room.
家を改装するのに半年かかった。
It took six months to do up the house.
Common loanword for home renovation or remodeling, often used in real estate and DIY contexts.
キッチンをリフォームしたい。
I want to do up the kitchen.
To repair or fix something, like a car or appliance. Less about decoration, more about functionality.
古い車を修理して乗っている。
I did up an old car and am driving it.
To maintain or refurbish something, often used for gardens, leather goods, or small items.
庭を手入れする。
To do up the garden.
To wrap or package something, often as a gift or for storage.
To wrap something in paper or cloth.
プレゼントをきれいに包んでください。
Please do up the present nicely.
More formal term for packaging or wrapping, often used in stores.
商品を包装してもらえますか？
Could you do up this item for me?
Loanword for gift-wrapping, common in casual contexts.
これ、ラッピングしてもらえますか？
Can you do this up as a gift?
To arrange or style hair, or to dress up in a particular way.
To style or set hair, often with products or tools.
髪をきれいにセットしてもらった。
I had my hair done up nicely.
To do up hair in a traditional or formal style, like an updo.
結婚式のために髪を結ってもらった。
I had my hair done up for the wedding.
To dress up or make oneself look stylish.
今夜はおしゃれをして出かける。
I'm going to do myself up tonight and go out.
The English phrasal verb 'do up' has no single Japanese equivalent. Translating word-for-word will result in unnatural Japanese. Always choose the verb that matches the specific action (fastening, renovating, wrapping, styling).