Translation guide
The English verb 'make' covers many meanings: creating, producing, causing, preparing, and more. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being made or the nature of the action. This guide organizes the most useful meanings for learners.
To make an object, product, or physical item, often from materials or parts.
The most general verb for making or creating something tangible. Used for food, crafts, furniture, etc.
He made a desk out of wood.
Formal term for manufacturing or producing goods, especially in factories.
This factory manufactures cars.
Used for creating documents, lists, plans, or digital content. More formal than 作る.
I made (created) the report.
To make a meal, dish, or beverage.
The standard verb for preparing food or drinks at home.
To make someone feel an emotion or be in a certain condition.
Pattern using i-adjective in く form + する to mean 'make something ~'. For example, 嬉しくする (make happy), 大きくする (make bigger).
To compel or require someone to take an action.
Causative form with に marking the person made to do something. Can imply forcing or allowing depending on context.
To make money through work or business.
The standard verb for earning money or income.
To make a decision, plan, appointment, etc.
Used for making decisions, rules, or choices.
To make friends or establish a relationship.
The standard phrase for making friends.
To make something into something else, or to appoint someone to a role.
Pattern for turning something into something else, or appointing someone as something.
We made him the leader.
English 'make' is very broad. Using 作る for non-physical creation (like making a decision or making someone happy) often sounds unnatural. Use the specific verbs or patterns shown above.
decide
My mother made a cake for me.
I make breakfast.
Can you make me some coffee?
Specifically means 'to cook' or 'to prepare a meal'. Emphasizes the cooking process.
I'll make dinner tonight.
The news made her sad.
Music makes me happy.
Pattern using na-adjective or noun + にする to mean 'make something ~'. For example, きれいにする (make clean), 有名にする (make famous).
Please make the room clean.
He made the town famous.
Causative form of verbs, meaning 'to make/let someone do'. Often used when making someone perform an action.
My mother made me eat vegetables.
The teacher made the students do their homework.
Used when you have someone do something for you (causative nuance with benefit). More polite than direct causative.
I had him wash the car. / I made him wash the car (for me).
He makes a lot of money.
Literally 'obtain money', but less common than 稼ぐ for earning. Used in formal contexts.
ways to make money through investment
Let's make (decide on) a date for the meeting.
Specifically for making a reservation or appointment.
I made a reservation at the restaurant.
Can be used for making rules, plans, or lists in a creative sense.
We made new rules.
I want to make friends at my new school.
To become acquainted with someone, less close than 友達.
I made many acquaintances at the party.
That experience made him strong.
make happy
作る is general and everyday. 製造する is for industrial manufacturing. 作成する is for documents, plans, or digital content. Use 作る unless you need a formal or technical nuance.