Translation guide
The English phrase 'lift up' can refer to physically raising something, elevating one's mood or spirit, or figuratively uplifting others. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To lift an object or person upward using physical force.
To make someone feel happier, more hopeful, or inspired.
To improve the condition of people or communities, often in a moral or spiritual sense.
When talking about lifting someone's mood, avoid directly translating 'lift up' as 持ち上げる. That verb is only for physical lifting. Use 元気づける or 気分を上げる instead.
The most common and general verb for lifting something up. Transitive.
重い箱を持ち上げた。
I lifted up the heavy box.
A versatile verb meaning 'to raise' or 'to lift'. Often used when the direction is clear from context.
手を上げてください。
Please lift up your hand.
Same as above, but specifically emphasizes the action of lifting and holding.
彼は子供を高く持ち上げた。
He lifted the child up high.
To pull something up, like a rope or a blind. Implies a pulling motion.
ブラインドを引き上げた。
I lifted up the blind.
To cheer someone up or lift their spirits. Commonly used for emotional support.
彼女の言葉が私を元気づけた。
Her words lifted me up.
Literally 'to raise one's mood'. Casual and common in daily conversation.
音楽を聴くと気分が上がる。
Listening to music lifts my mood.
To encourage or uplift someone through words or actions. Slightly more formal.
友達が落ち込んでいたので励ました。
My friend was feeling down, so I lifted him up.
Slang for 'to get hyped' or 'to lift the energy'. Used among younger people.
パーティーでテンションを上げよう！
Let's lift up the energy at the party!
To elevate or uplift in a broad sense, such as raising standards or consciousness.
教育は人々を高める。
Education lifts people up.
To improve or uplift, often used for skills, status, or quality of life.
このプログラムは地域社会を向上させる。
This program lifts up the community.
To lift up from a difficult situation, implying rescue or salvation. Literary nuance.
彼の言葉が私を絶望から救い上げた。
His words lifted me up from despair.