Translation and Meaning of: 作る - tsukuru

The Japanese word 作る [つくる] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language. It frequently appears in everyday life, in animes, songs, and even in cooking recipes. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical uses, along with curiosities that help understand how the Japanese perceive this expression in their daily life.

If you have ever wondered how to say "to make" or "to create" in Japanese, 作る (tsukuru) is one of the first words you need to know. Its usage ranges from physical objects to abstract concepts, making it versatile and essential. Here, you will also find tips to memorize it more easily and examples of how to apply it correctly.

Meaning and usage of 作る

作る means "to make," "to create," or "to produce." It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. For example, 料理を作る (りょうりをつくる) means "to make food." This word is so common that it appears in various situations, from crafts to building relationships.

An interesting characteristic of 作る is its application in both concrete and abstract contexts. While it can be used to "make a cake" (ケーキを作る), it also appears in expressions like "make plans" (計画を作る). This flexibility makes it one of the most useful words for Japanese learners.

Origin and writing of the kanji 作

The kanji 作 is composed of two radicals: 亻 (left side, which indicates "person") and 乍 (right side, related to "beginning" or "work"). This combination suggests the idea of a person performing a creative action. The reading つくる is the kun'yomi (Japanese reading), while the on'yomi (Chinese reading) is サク, as in 作品 (さくひん - work).

Interestingly, the kanji 作 also appears in words like 作家 (さっか - writer/artist) and 作業 (さぎょう - work/task). Studying these related terms can help better solidify the original meaning. The etymology reinforces the notion of creation, whether artistic, manual, or intellectual.

Tips for memorizing and using 作る

An effective way to remember 作る is to associate it with everyday situations. For example, think of "making lunch" or "creating a drawing." Repeating sentences like 机を作る (つくえをつくる - make a desk) helps to memorize the grammatical structure. Anki and other spaced repetition apps are great for practicing these examples.

It is important to note that 作る should not be confused with 造る, another verb that also means "to make," but with an emphasis on large-scale construction (such as ships or buildings). While 作る has a more general and artisanal sense, 造る is used for industrial or large-scale productions. This subtle difference is important for those who want to speak Japanese accurately.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 造る (Tsukuru) - Make, build (typically used for structures and physical objects)
• 創る (Tsukuru) - Create (frequently used in artistic and creative contexts)
• つくる (Tsukuru) - Make, prepare, assemble (everyday and general use)

作る

Romaji: tsukuru
Kana: つくる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: to do; to create; manufacture; elaborate; to write; to compose; ramp up; brother-in-law; grow crops; organize; to establish; compensate (a face); manufacture; prepare (food); commit (sin); ramp up

Meaning in English: to make;to create;to manufacture;to draw up;to write;to compose;to build;to coin;to cultivate;to organize;to establish;to make up (a face);to trim (a tree);to fabricate;to prepare (food);to commit (sin);to construct

Definition: To process things to create new things.

Example Sentences - (作る) tsukuru

See below some example sentences:

この映画は素晴らしい脚色で作られました。

Kono eiga wa subarashii kyakushoku de tsukuraremashita

This movie was made with great adaptation.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "splendid"
• 脚色 - noun that means "script" or "adaptation"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used to do something
• 作られました - passive verb in the polite past form meaning "was done" or "was produced"

スライドを使ってプレゼンテーションを作りました。

Suraido wo tsukatte purezenteshon wo tsukurimashita

I made a presentation using a slide.

• スライド (suraido) - slide
• を (wo) - partícula que indica o objeto da frase
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• プレゼンテーション (purezentēshon) - presentation
• を (wo) - partícula que indica o objeto da frase
• 作りました (tsukurimashita) - made

中学で友達をたくさん作りました。

Chuugaku de tomodachi wo takusan tsukurimashita

I made many friends in high school.

• 中学 - Secondary school
• で - particle that indicates the place where something happened
• 友達 - friends
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• 作りました - made, created

彼は紙を折って鳥を作った。

Kare wa kami o otte tori o tsukutta

He made a bird folding paper.

He broke the paper and made birds.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 紙 - Japanese noun that means "paper"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 折って - Japanese verb "oru" conjugated in the gerund, which means "to fold."
• 鳥 - Japanese noun that means "bird"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 作った - Japanese verb "tsukuru" conjugated in the past, which means "to create"

毛皮は動物の皮で作られたものです。

Mouhi wa doubutsu no kawa de tsukurareta mono desu

The fur is made from animal skin.

• 毛皮 - a word that means "animal skin with hair".
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "毛皮".
• 動物 - a word that means "animal".
• の - possession particle indicating that the skin is "the animal's".
• 皮 - a word that means "skin".
• で - particle that indicates the means by which something is made, in this case, "made of".
• 作られた - verb "作る" in the past tense, which means "done".
• もの - a word that means "thing".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

活字を使って新聞を作ります。

Katsuji wo tsukatte shinbun wo tsukurimasu

Make a newspaper using impressions.

• 活字 - movable metal characters used in printing
• を - object particle
• 使って - conjugated form of the verb "tsukatte", meaning "to use"
• 新聞 - newspaper
• を - object particle
• 作ります - conjugated form of the verb "tsukurimasu", meaning "to do"

行列を作って待っている。

Gyōretsu o tsukutte matte iru

I'm queuing and waiting.

I'm expecting a line.

• 行列 - means "row".
• を - object particle.
• 作って - verb form of the verb "作る" meaning "to create" or "to make".
• 待っている - verb form of the verb "待つ" which means "to wait".