Translation guide
The English word "makeup" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: cosmetics applied to the face, the composition or constitution of something, and a supplementary test or assignment. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
Referring to products like foundation, lipstick, etc., 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.
She is good at applying makeup.
To remove makeup.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual and fashion contexts. Often refers to the style or result of makeup.
Your makeup looks nice today.
Natural makeup is trendy.
Another loanword, less common than メイク. Sometimes used in professional or artistic contexts.
stage makeup
Referring to the parts or elements that form something, such as the makeup of a team, soil, or a substance.
Refers to the composition, structure, or organization of something. Commonly used for teams, committees, systems, etc.
To change the makeup of the team.
Often used in scientific or technical contexts for the chemical or physical composition of substances.
Refers to a breakdown or itemized composition, often used for budgets, expenses, or categories.
Referring to a test or assignment given to a student to make up for a missed or failed one.
Short for 追試験 (ついしけん). A makeup exam, typically for students who missed the original due to illness or other reasons.
Since I couldn't take the exam due to illness, I'll take the makeup exam.
A re-examination or retest, often for those who failed the first time. Can also be used for makeup exams.
A makeup report or assignment, often in university settings.
化粧 only means cosmetics. Using it to mean the makeup of a team or substance will cause confusion. Use 構成 or 組成 instead.
メイク is a loanword and feels more modern/casual, often used in fashion and beauty contexts. 化粧 is the traditional Japanese word and can be used in both casual and formal settings. 化粧 also appears in compounds like 化粧品 (cosmetics) and 化粧水 (toner).
The makeup of this committee is diverse.
To analyze the chemical makeup of the soil.
予算の内訳を教えてください。
Please tell me the makeup of the budget.
不合格だったので再試験を受ける。
Since I failed, I'll take the makeup exam.
Since I missed the deadline, I'll submit a makeup report.