Translation guide
The English word 'manufacture' refers to the process of making goods, especially in large quantities using machinery. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 製造 (seizō), but other terms like 生産 (seisan) and 製作 (seisaku) are used depending on the context. This guide helps you choose the right word and use it naturally.
To express the large-scale production of goods, typically in factories.
The company manufactures electronic components. · Manufacturing jobs have declined in this area.
The most direct equivalent for 'manufacture' in industrial contexts. Used for making products from raw materials, especially with machinery.
この工場では自動車を製造しています。
This factory manufactures automobiles.
製造工程を見学した。
We observed the manufacturing process.
Often used for 'production' in a broader sense, including agricultural or mass production. Can overlap with 'manufacture' when emphasizing output volume.
この国は米を大量に生産している。
This country produces a large amount of rice.
新工場でスマートフォンの生産を始める。
They will start manufacturing smartphones at the new factory.
Used for making things that involve craftsmanship or smaller-scale production, like films, machinery, or prototypes. Less common for mass production.
彼は映画の製作に携わっている。
He is involved in film production.
To express creating something false or artificial, like a lie or an excuse.
He manufactured an excuse for being late. · The evidence was clearly manufactured.
A common verb meaning to fabricate or make up a story, excuse, or false evidence. Often used in negative contexts.
彼はアリバイをでっち上げた。
He manufactured an alibi.
A more formal term for fabricating, often used for documents, data, or news. Implies deliberate falsification.
その新聞は捏造記事を掲載した。
The newspaper published a fabricated story.
Literally 'to make a made-up story'. Used for inventing tales or lies, often in casual conversation.
彼女はいつも作り話をしている。
She is always manufacturing stories.
製造 (seizō) is specifically for manufacturing with machinery and processes. 生産 (seisan) is broader, including agricultural and mass production. 製作 (seisaku) implies craftsmanship or creation of unique items like films or artworks. For factory-made goods, 製造 is the safest choice.
While 'manufacture' can mean 'fabricate a story' in English, 製造 is not used in that sense. Use でっち上げる or 捏造する instead.
その会社は高品質の家具を製造しています。
The company manufactures high-quality furniture.
彼は自分の過去について話をでっち上げた。
He manufactured a story about his past.