Translation guide
The English word 'make-up' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: cosmetics, composition/constitution, reconciliation, and fabrication. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to products applied to the face to enhance appearance.
General term for makeup or cosmetics. Can refer to the act of applying makeup or the products themselves.
彼女は化粧が上手だ。
She is good at applying makeup.
化粧を落とす。
To remove makeup.
Loanword from English, very common in casual and fashion contexts. Often used for the style or result of makeup.
今日のメイク、いいね。
Your makeup looks nice today.
ナチュラルメイクが流行っている。
Natural makeup is trendy.
Specifically refers to cosmetic products, not the act of applying them.
新しい化粧品を買った。
I bought new makeup (cosmetics).
Referring to the parts or elements that form something.
Refers to the composition, structure, or makeup of a group, system, or object.
委員会の構成を見直す。
To review the makeup of the committee.
このチームの構成はバランスが良い。
The makeup of this team is well-balanced.
Emphasizes the physical or organizational structure, often used for buildings, machines, or abstract systems.
Refers to a breakdown or itemized composition, often used in financial or statistical contexts.
Referring to the act of becoming friendly again after an argument.
The most common way to say 'make up' in the sense of reconciling. Used for personal relationships.
彼と喧嘩したけど、仲直りした。
I had a fight with him, but we made up.
早く仲直りしたい。
I want to make up soon.
More formal term for reconciliation, often used in legal or serious disputes.
両国は和解した。
The two countries made up (reconciled).
Referring to something that is invented or not true.
A noun meaning a fabrication or made-up story. Often used in accusations.
それは完全なでっち上げだ。
That's a complete fabrication (make-up).
To tell a lie. In context, 'make up a story' can be translated as 嘘をつく.
彼はまた嘘をついた。
He made up another story (lied again).
化粧 is the traditional Japanese word and can sound slightly more formal or general. メイク is a loanword and is very common in everyday conversation, especially among younger people and in fashion contexts. メイク often refers to the style or result, while 化粧 can refer to the act or products.
The direct loanword メイクアップ exists but is less common than メイク for cosmetics. It may be understood but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Stick to メイク or 化粧.
社会の構造を理解する。
To understand the makeup of society.
費用の内訳を教えてください。
Please tell me the makeup (breakdown) of the costs.
A made-up story, often less negative than でっち上げ. Can be used for fictional tales.
それはただの作り話だよ。
That's just a made-up story.