Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'kick up' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: causing something to rise into the air, increasing or intensifying something, causing trouble or a fuss, and a few other specific expressions.
To make something (dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) fly up by kicking or with a similar motion.
Literally 'kick up'. Used when the action is a deliberate kick.
彼はボールを蹴り上げた。
He kicked the ball up.
Means 'to send something flying up', often used for dust, sand, or leaves stirred up by wind or movement.
車が砂埃を舞い上げた。
The car kicked up a cloud of dust.
To swirl up, whip up (dust, water, etc.). Often implies a strong force.
強風が落ち葉を巻き上げた。
The strong wind kicked up the fallen leaves.
To raise the level, intensity, or amount of something (e.g., effort, speed, prices).
A general verb meaning 'to raise'. Combine with a noun to specify what is being increased.
生産量を上げる必要がある。
We need to kick up production.
Pattern meaning 'to do something even more' or 'to step up'. Used with verbs.
彼は一段と努力した。
He kicked up his efforts.
To intensify, escalate. Often used for conflicts, competition, or natural phenomena.
風が急に激化した。
The wind suddenly kicked up.
To create a disturbance, protest, or commotion.
Literally 'to cause a commotion'. A natural way to say 'kick up a fuss'.
彼は些細なことで騒ぎを起こした。
He kicked up a fuss over a trivial matter.
To make a big fuss, to raise a ruckus.
子供たちは新しいおもちゃに大騒ぎした。
The kids kicked up a storm over the new toy.
To stir up controversy or public discussion. More formal and often used in media contexts.
その発言が物議を醸した。
The remark kicked up a controversy.
To move one's leg upward in a kicking motion.
Describes the physical action of kicking one's leg up.
ダンサーは高く足を蹴り上げた。
The dancer kicked up her leg high.
To have a lively, enjoyable time, often after a period of work.
Idiom meaning 'to let loose', 'to enjoy oneself freely'. A good match for the spirit of the English idiom.
週末は友達と羽を伸ばした。
I kicked up my heels with friends over the weekend.
Simple verb meaning 'to enjoy oneself'. Less colorful but widely understood.
English idioms like 'kick up a fuss' or 'kick up one's heels' do not translate literally into Japanese. Use the equivalent expressions provided instead.
パーティーで大いに楽しんだ。
We really kicked up our heels at the party.