Translation guide
The English phrasal verb "set up" covers a wide range of meanings, from physically arranging objects to establishing organizations, preparing equipment, and even framing someone. This guide breaks down the most common uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To put things in position or make something ready for use, such as setting up a tent, a computer, or a meeting room.
Formal, often used for installing equipment, setting up devices, or establishing facilities.
新しいプリンターを設置しました。
I set up the new printer.
To assemble or put together something from parts, like furniture or a tent.
テントを組み立てるのに30分かかった。
It took 30 minutes to set up the tent.
General term for preparing or getting ready. Can be used for setting up a room, equipment, or an event.
会議室を準備しておきます。
I'll set up the meeting room.
Loanword from English, used for setting up devices, alarms, or configurations. Casual and common in spoken Japanese.
目覚ましをセットした？
Did you set up the alarm?
Used for setting up camps, event venues, or temporary structures. More formal and specific.
イベント会場を設営する。
Set up the event venue.
To create, found, or initiate something like a company, committee, fund, or system.
Standard term for establishing organizations, companies, or institutions.
新しい会社を設立した。
I set up a new company.
Casual and versatile verb meaning 'to make'. Can be used for setting up a website, a fund, or a team.
募金のためのウェブサイトを作った。
I set up a website for fundraising.
Literally 'to launch', used for starting projects, businesses, or online services. Implies getting something off the ground.
Formal term for founding or establishing, often used for awards, scholarships, or institutions.
奨学金制度を創設した。
They set up a scholarship program.
To organize or schedule a meeting, appointment, or social gathering.
Common for setting up meetings, appointments, or configurations. Neutral formality.
会議を設定しました。
I set up a meeting.
Loanword used for arranging events, dates, or setups. Slightly casual.
合コンのセッティングを頼まれた。
I was asked to set up a group date.
To arrange or make preparations, often for travel, accommodation, or logistics.
出張の手配をした。
I set up the business trip.
Idiomatic: to set the stage or make all necessary arrangements for something to happen, sometimes with a negative connotation of doing too much for someone.
彼が全部お膳立てしてくれた。
He set everything up for me.
To adjust settings, install software, or make a system operational.
The standard verb for configuring settings on devices, apps, or networks.
Wi-Fiを設定する。
Set up Wi-Fi.
Loanword directly from 'set up', used for initial setup of computers, accounts, or systems.
新しいパソコンをセットアップする。
Set up a new computer.
Specifically for installing software. Often used together with 設定する.
必要なソフトをインストールして設定した。
I installed and set up the necessary software.
To make an innocent person appear guilty, or to arrange a situation to deceive someone.
To frame someone, to entrap. Strongly negative.
彼は同僚を陥れようとした。
He tried to set up his colleague.
Colloquial term for framing or trapping someone. Can also mean to set someone up on a date.
まんまとはめられた。
I was completely set up.
Literally 'to catch in a trap'. Used for literal traps or figurative setups.
敵を罠にかける。
Set up the enemy.
To give someone the money, resources, or support to start something, like a business or a new life.
To provide funds. Often used when setting someone up in business.
彼は息子に事業の資金を提供した。
He set his son up in business.
To set someone up with daily necessities, like when moving into a new apartment.
新居に必要なものを揃えてあげた。
I set her up with everything she needed for the new place.
To assert that one is a certain type of person, often with a nuance of pretension.
To set oneself up as something, often with a negative connotation of being pretentious.
彼は専門家を気取っている。
He sets himself up as an expert.
Suffix meaning to act like or pretend to be. Casual and often derogatory.
彼は評論家ぶっている。
He sets himself up as a critic.
The English 'set up' is highly context-dependent. Directly translating it as セットアップする or 設置する in every situation will sound unnatural. Always consider the specific meaning first.
設置する is for physical installation (setting up a machine), while 設定する is for configuring settings or arranging meetings. Don't confuse them.
In casual conversation, 作る (to make) is often the most natural way to say 'set up' for things like websites, teams, or funds.
新しいスマホを設定しないと。
I need to set up my new phone.
彼らはホームレス支援の慈善団体を設立した。
They set up a charity to help the homeless.
プレゼンのためにプロジェクターを設置してくれる？
Can you set up the projector for the presentation?
新規プロジェクトを立ち上げる。
Set up a new project.