Translation and Meaning of: 造り - tsukuri

The Japanese word 造り[つくり] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from the construction of objects to the composition of dishes in cuisine. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding the meaning and use of this expression can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its origin, everyday applications, and even some tips for memorizing it efficiently.

In addition to uncovering the literal meaning of 造り, we will also see how it relates to Japanese culture, whether in traditional architecture or in gastronomy. If you have ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary to look up Japanese terms, you know that details like these make all the difference in learning. Shall we get started?

Meaning and usage of 造り

The term 造り, read as "tsukuri", carries the basic meaning of "construction" or "creation". It is often used to describe the way something is made, whether it's an object, a structure, or even a dish. For example, in Japanese cuisine, sashimi no tsukuri refers to the way the fish is cut and prepared.

It is worth noting that 造り is not limited to the physical aspect. In some contexts, it can indicate the composition or organization of something abstract, such as a story or a plan. This flexibility makes the word quite useful in daily life, appearing in both informal conversations and more technical texts.

Origin and writing in kanji

The kanji 造 is composed of the radical "辶" (which indicates movement) and "告" (which refers to "informing" or "declaring"). Together, they suggest the idea of "creating something through a process," which perfectly aligns with the current meaning of the word. This etymology is confirmed by sources such as Kanjipedia and the dictionary 漢字源, which highlight its relation to manual activities and production.

Although 造り is the most common writing, it is possible to find contextual variations. In some cases, especially in cuisine, the term can be written only in hiragana (つくり) to give a softer or more informal touch to the text. This duality between formality and casualness is an interesting feature of the Japanese language.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 造り is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of something involving construction or preparation, like a craftsman shaping pottery or a chef slicing fish for sushi. This mental image helps to create a strong connection between the word and its meaning, making it easier to remember.

Another tip is to pay attention to compounds like 手造り (tezukuri – handmade) or 木造 (mokuzou – wooden construction), which appear frequently. By recognizing the kanji 造 in these terms, you reinforce your learning in a contextual manner. Over time, identifying and using 造り will become a natural part of your Japanese studies.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

作り (Tsukuri) - Creation, production
創り (Sodori) - Creation, the act of creating something new
造作 (Zōsaku) - Construction, formation, composition
仕立て (Shitate) - Making, assembly (especially in the context of clothing)
仕上げ (Shiage) - Finishing, finishing touches
製作 (Seisaku) - Production, creation of a specific product
製造 (Seizō) - Manufacturing, usually on a large scale
作製 (Sakusei) - Production, crafting (similar to 製作, but can refer to something simpler)
制作 (Seisaku) - Production, creation of artistic or audiovisual works
創作 (Sōsaku) - Artistic creation, original creation
作成 (Sakusei) - Creation, development, focusing on documents or written pieces.
作品 (Sakuhin) - Work (artistic, literary, etc.)
作品創造 (Sakuhin Sōzō) - Creation of works, emphasizing originality
作物 (Sakumotsu) - Agricultural product, harvest
製品 (Seihin) - Finished product, usually industrial
創出 (Sōshutsu) - Generation, creation of something new
生成 (Seisei) - Generation, natural or spontaneous formation
生産 (Seisan) - General production, focused on manufacturing
造形 (Zōkei) - Formation, sculpture, three-dimensional art
造型 (Zōkei) - Modeling, shape, aesthetic design
形成 (Keisei) - Training, shaping, formation of structures
構成 (Kōsei) - Structure, arrangement, composition of parts
組み立て (Kumitake) - Assembly, especially of materials or parts
組立て (Kumitate) - Assembly, construction of complex structures
組成 (Kumai) - Composition, formation of a whole from parts.
編成 (Hensei) - Organization, structuring
構築 (Kōchiku) - Construction, structuring of something more conceptual
構築物 (Kōchikubutsu) - Built structure, building
建造 (Kenzō) - Construction, building of infrastructures
建設 (Kensetsu) - Construction, the process of building something on a large scale.
建築 (Kenchiku) - Architecture, building construction
作り出す (Tsukuridashi) - Produce something creative, generate
作り上げる (Tsukuriageru) - Completely create, finalize a work or project
創り出す (Sodori dasu) - Generate something new, innovate
創り上げる (Sodoriageru) - To finish something that was created, completing a creative process.
造り手 (Zōrite) - Artisan, someone who creates or builds
製作者 (Seisakusha) - Producer, creator of products or works
作者 (Sakusha) - Author, creator, especially in literary and artistic contexts