Translation guide
The English phrase 'make time' means to arrange one's schedule to have time for something or someone. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and set phrases depending on the nuance.
The speaker actively adjusts their schedule to free up time for a specific purpose or person.
The most direct and common translation. It literally means 'to make time' and is used in both casual and formal contexts.
明日までに時間を作ります。
I'll make time by tomorrow.
I made time to see her.
Literally 'to take time', but used to mean setting aside time intentionally. Slightly more formal than 時間を作る.
会議の前に少し時間を取ってください。
Please make some time before the meeting.
Implies sacrificing or allocating time from a busy schedule. Often used when the speaker is very busy.
忙しいけど、君のために時間を割くよ。
I'm busy, but I'll make time for you.
A formal or business term meaning 'to squeeze out time' or 'to find time' through effort. Often used in written reports or formal speech.
このプロジェクトのために時間を捻出しなければならない。
We must make time for this project.
The speaker manages to find a slot in an already packed schedule, often with difficulty.
Literally 'to find time'. Very common and natural for expressing that you will locate available time despite being busy.
なんとか時間を見つけて行きます。
I'll somehow make time and go.
Uses 'hima' (free time) instead of 'jikan'. Slightly more casual and implies creating leisure time.
週末に暇を作って遊びに行こう。
Let's make time on the weekend and go out.
Specifically about prioritizing a person in one's schedule, often in romantic or friendly contexts.
Literally 'to empty time'. Commonly used when you clear your schedule for someone.
彼氏のために週末は時間を空けてある。
I've made time for my boyfriend this weekend.
Means to coordinate schedules or make time to match someone else's availability.
友達と時間を合わせてランチに行った。
I made time to go to lunch with a friend.
All three mean 'to make time', but with different nuances. 時間を作る is the most general and neutral. 時間を取る implies intentionally setting aside a block of time, often for a specific task. 時間を割く emphasizes sacrificing time from a busy schedule, often for someone else's sake.
毎日運動する時間を作る。
I make time to exercise every day.
面接のために30分時間を取った。
I set aside 30 minutes for the interview.
忙しい中、子供のために時間を割いた。
Despite being busy, I made time for my child.
The literal translation '時間をする' is incorrect. Always use verbs like 作る, 取る, 見つける, etc.