Translation guide
The English phrase 'make out' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: kissing passionately, managing to see or hear something, and understanding or deciphering something. It also touches on less common meanings like writing a check or claiming falsely.
To engage in prolonged, passionate kissing, often with touching.
General phrase for 'to kiss'. Can be used for any kind of kiss, but context can imply making out.
They were making out in the park.
Specifically means 'deep kiss' or French kiss, closer to 'make out'.
They were making out.
Verb meaning to flirt, cuddle, or make out in a lovey-dovey way. Casual.
The couple is making out.
Means 'to embrace each other'. Can imply making out when combined with kissing, but not explicit.
They embraced and made out.
To be able to see or hear something with difficulty.
Use potential form or sensory verbs. 'Make out' is often translated as simply 'see' or 'hear' with context.
I could make out a ship in the distance.
I could barely make out his voice.
Means 'to distinguish' or 'discern'. More formal.
Means 'to tell apart' or 'distinguish by sight'.
To understand something unclear, such as handwriting, meaning, or a situation.
General verb for 'understand'. Often used with adverbs like 'なんとか' (somehow).
I could barely make out what he was saying.
Means 'to read (into)' or 'interpret', often for handwriting or hidden meaning.
Specifically means 'to decipher' or 'make out' illegible writing. Formal.
To make out ancient documents.
To write a check payable to someone.
Standard phrase for 'to write a check'. Add recipient with 〜宛てに.
I made out a check to him.
To assert something untrue, often about oneself.
To manage, get along, or fare in a situation. Often used in questions.
The English 'make out' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Each meaning requires a different expression. Using 作る (tsukuru, 'make') and 外 (soto, 'out') would be nonsensical.
It was hard to make out a figure in the fog.
暗くて顔が見分けられなかった。
It was dark and I couldn't make out their face.
彼女の走り書きを読み取るのは大変だ。
It's hard to make out her scribbles.