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.
I'm making a cake.
He is making furniture.
More formal than 作る. Often used for manufacturing, producing goods, or creating works like films or machinery.
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.
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.
She makes me happy.
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 ~'.
Make the room bright.
Causative form of verbs. Means 'to make/let someone do something'. Can imply forcing or allowing depending on context.
To express the act of preparing food or beverages.
To express making money or 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.
He made me wait.
Means 'to have someone do something for you'. Softer than causative, implies a request or favor.
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.
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.
My mother made me eat vegetables.
Make tea.
株で儲ける。
Make money in stocks.
Make travel plans.
Make a noise.
Make a mistake (formal).