“To make” in Japanese is 作る (つくる), pronounced tsukuru.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To make, create or cook. Used for food, things and plans alike.
Example sentences
- 晩ご飯を作ります。ばんごはんをつくります。I’ll make dinner.
- 友達を作りたいです。ともだちをつくりたいです。I want to make friends.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 作る. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 作る つくる | make |
| Polite present | 作ります つくります | make |
| Polite negative | 作りません つくりません | don’t make |
| Polite past | 作りました つくりました | past of “make” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 作らない つくらない | don’t make (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 作った つくった | past of “make” (casual) |
| て-form | 作って つくって | make and… / please make (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 作りたい つくりたい | want to make |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to make in Japanese?
To make in Japanese is 作る (つくる), pronounced “tsukuru”.
How do you write to make in Japanese?
It's written 作る with kanji, or つくる in hiragana. Both are read tsukuru.
Is 作る on the JLPT?
Yes. 作る (tsukuru) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.