Translation guide
The English word 'making' can refer to the act of creating, producing, or causing something. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being made and the context. This guide covers common ways to express 'making' in Japanese, from physical creation to causing a state or condition.
To express the act of making, building, or manufacturing something tangible.
The most common and versatile verb for 'make' or 'create'. Used for food, art, crafts, and many other things. Can also mean to build or manufacture.
ケーキを作る。
I'm making a cake.
彼は家具を作っている。
He is making furniture.
More formal than 作る. Often used for manufacturing, producing goods, or creating works like films or machinery.
この工場では自動車を製作している。
This factory is making cars.
Often used for large-scale construction, brewing alcohol, or building ships. Has a nuance of 'construct' or 'manufacture' on a larger scale.
日本酒を造る。
To make sake.
To express causing a change in state, emotion, or condition.
Pattern meaning 'to make something/someone ~'. The adjective or noun after に describes the resulting state.
彼女は私を幸せにする。
She makes me happy.
この薬は痛みを和らげる。
This medicine makes the pain ease.
Used with i-adjectives. Change the adjective to its く form and add する to mean 'make something ~'.
部屋を明るくする。
Make the room bright.
Causative form of verbs. Means 'to make/let someone do something'. Can imply forcing or allowing depending on context.
母は私に野菜を食べさせた。
My mother made me eat vegetables.
To express the act of preparing food or beverages.
The default verb for making food and drinks.
朝ごはんを作る。
I make breakfast.
Specifically means 'to cook'. More precise than 作る when emphasizing the cooking process.
彼は毎日料理する。
He cooks every day.
Used specifically for making tea or coffee by brewing or steeping.
お茶を淹れる。
Make tea.
To express making money or profit.
Means 'to earn (money)'. Commonly used for making a living or earning income.
彼はたくさん稼いでいる。
He is making a lot of money.
Means 'to profit' or 'to make money', often with a nuance of financial gain or business profit.
To express the act of deciding, planning, or arranging something.
To express producing a sound.
To express committing an error.
To express compelling or causing someone to act.
Causative form. Can mean 'make someone do' or 'let someone do'. Context clarifies if it's forcing or allowing.
彼は私を待たせた。
He made me wait.
Means 'to have someone do something for you'. Softer than causative, implies a request or favor.
友達に手伝ってもらった。
I had my friend help me. (I got my friend to help.)
作る (つくる) is the general 'make'. 造る (つくる) is for large-scale manufacturing, brewing, or construction. 創る (つくる) is for creative or original works, like art or literature. In most daily situations, 作る is sufficient.
小説を創る。
Create a novel.
English uses 'make' in many collocations (make a phone call, make a bed, make friends) that have specific Japanese verbs. For example, 'make a phone call' is 電話をかける, not 電話を作る. Learn the natural Japanese collocation instead of translating word-for-word.
株で儲ける。
Make money in stocks.
Make travel plans.
Make a noise.
Make a mistake (formal).