Translation guide
The English phrase 'making up' can refer to reconciling after a disagreement, compensating for something, inventing a story, or applying cosmetics. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe two or more people resolving a conflict and restoring a friendly relationship.
The most common and natural way to say 'make up' after a fight. Used for friends, couples, family, etc.
We had a fight yesterday, but we made up today.
I want to make up soon.
Literally 'reconciliation kiss'. Used specifically for romantic couples making up with a kiss.
After the fight, we kissed and made up.
To make amends, compensate, or do something to offset a previous error or deficiency.
Means to compensate or make up for something, such as a mistake, lost time, or a favor. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.
To make up for being late, I treated him to lunch.
Please let me make up for my previous mistake.
A more formal or serious word for atoning or making up for a wrongdoing. Often used for crimes or major faults.
Means to recover or make up for a loss, often used for time, money, or opportunities.
To create a fictional story, excuse, or lie, often on the spot.
Means to fabricate or make up a story, excuse, or lie. Often carries a negative connotation of dishonesty.
He made up an excuse.
Literally 'to make a story'. A neutral way to say 'make up a story', but can imply fabrication depending on context.
To apply makeup to the face.
The standard phrase for 'putting on makeup' or 'doing makeup'. Can be used for oneself or others.
It takes me 30 minutes to put on makeup every morning.
Loanword from English 'makeup'. Often used in compound verbs like メイクする (to do makeup) or メイクを落とす (to remove makeup).
Polite prefix form of 化粧. Often used by women or in polite conversation.
I'll go touch up my makeup a bit.
To be the parts that form something; to compose or constitute.
仲直りする is specifically for reconciling a personal relationship after a fight. 埋め合わせをする is for compensating for a mistake, loss, or inconvenience, not necessarily involving a personal conflict.
I made up with my friend.
I bought coffee to make up for being late.
作り上げる means 'to complete building something' or 'to fabricate' but is not commonly used for making up a story on the spot. Use でっち上げる or 話を作る instead.
He made up an excuse.
彼は罪を償うためにボランティアを始めた。
He started volunteering to make up for his crime.
It's hard to make up for lost time.
That story is completely made up.
A noun meaning 'made-up story' or 'fabrication'. Often used when the story is clearly fictional.
That's just a made-up story.
The children made up a story and played.
My makeup looks good today.
女性が参加者の大半を占めている。
Women make up the majority of the participants.