Translation guide
To create or design something new, or to make up a story or excuse.
機械を発明する
invent a machine
言い訳をでっち上げる
invent an excuse
To design, devise, or create something that did not exist before, such as a machine, system, or method.
The most common and direct translation for inventing a new device, machine, or technology.
エジソンは電球を発明した。
Edison invented the light bulb.
To devise or come up with a new idea, method, or plan. Often used for systems, strategies, or creative solutions.
新しい販売戦略を考案した。
We devised a new sales strategy.
To create or produce something new, often with a sense of bringing it into existence. Can be used for tangible or intangible things.
彼は新しいジャンルの音楽を作り出した。
He created a new genre of music.
To originate or conceive an original idea. More formal and less common than 考案する.
その理論は彼が創案した。
He originated that theory.
To fabricate a story, excuse, or falsehood, often on the spot.
To fabricate or make up a story, excuse, or accusation, often with a negative connotation of dishonesty.
彼は言い訳をでっち上げた。
He made up an excuse.
Literally 'to make a story'. Used when inventing a fictional narrative or lie.
彼女は面白い話を作った。
She made up an interesting story.
To fabricate or forge, often used for documents, evidence, or serious falsehoods. Strongly negative.
証拠を捏造した。
They fabricated evidence.
To invent a new word, term, or expression.
Specifically means to coin a new word or phrase.
その作家は多くの新語を造語した。
The author coined many new words.
A more general phrase meaning 'to create a new word'.
若者はよく新しい言葉を作る。
Young people often invent new words.
発明する is only for inventing tangible things or technologies. Using it for making up a story sounds unnatural. Use でっち上げる or 話を作る instead.
発明する is for physical inventions (machines, devices). 考案する is for abstract creations like plans, methods, or systems.
電話を発明したのは誰ですか？
Who invented the telephone?
彼は病気だという話をでっち上げた。
He invented a story about being sick.