Translation guide
The English word 'produce' covers several distinct meanings: to create or make something, to cause a result, to present or show something, to grow or yield agricultural products, and to organize a creative work like a film or show. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To bring something into existence through effort, manufacturing, or creative work.
The most common and versatile word for 'make' or 'create'. Used for physical objects, food, art, and abstract things.
彼は木で椅子を作った。
He made a chair out of wood.
夕食を作る。
I'll make dinner.
Used for industrial or mass production, manufacturing, and economic output.
この工場では自動車を生産している。
This factory produces cars.
Literally 'give birth to', used for creating something new or original, like ideas, works of art, or innovations.
Formal term for creating documents, plans, or digital content.
報告書を作成する。
Produce a report.
To bring about a particular outcome, reaction, or change.
To bring out or show something for inspection, evidence, or display.
To present or show documents, evidence, or ideas formally.
証拠を提示する。
Produce evidence.
身分証明書を提示してください。
Please produce your ID.
To cultivate crops or raise livestock for food or other products.
Standard term for agricultural production, often used in economic or statistical contexts.
この地域は米を生産している。
This region produces rice.
To oversee the making of a movie, play, broadcast, or album.
Standard term for producing films, TV programs, or artistic works.
彼はその映画を制作した。
He produced the movie.
Loanword from English, commonly used in entertainment industry.
作る (tsukuru) is the general word for 'make'. 生産する (seisan suru) is for mass production or agriculture. 制作する (seisaku suru) is for creative works like films or art. Use 作る for everyday making, 生産する for industrial/agricultural output, and 制作する for media production.
プロデュースする is a loanword used almost exclusively for entertainment (music, film, events). Using it for manufacturing or agriculture sounds unnatural.
She produced a new work of art.
Common for causing events, problems, or reactions. Often used for negative outcomes.
その政策は混乱を引き起こした。
The policy produced chaos.
アレルギー反応を引き起こす。
Produce an allergic reaction.
To bring about a result, often positive or neutral. Slightly formal.
新しい技術が大きな変化をもたらした。
New technology produced major changes.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to arise' or 'to be produced'. Often used in formal contexts.
問題が生じた。
A problem was produced / arose.
Casual and versatile. Can mean 'take out', 'show', or 'produce' an object.
財布からお金を出した。
He produced money from his wallet.
Simply 'show'. Use when the focus is on letting someone see something.
免許証を見せてください。
Please produce your driver's license.
Specifically for cultivating plants or crops.
トマトを栽培する。
Produce tomatoes.
Common and casual way to say 'grow' or 'raise' crops, especially in everyday conversation.
うちでは野菜を作っている。
We produce vegetables at home.
彼女がアルバムをプロデュースした。
She produced the album.
Specifically refers to directing or staging a performance, not overall production.
This means 'direct' rather than 'produce' in the financial/organizational sense.
舞台を演出する。
Produce (direct) a stage play.
✕ 野菜をプロデュースする。
Intended: produce vegetables.
○ 野菜を作る / 生産する。
Produce vegetables.
✕ 野菜をプロデュースする。
Intended: produce vegetables.
○ 野菜を作る / 生産する。
Produce vegetables.