作る
つくる·tsukuru
Meaning
to make; to create; to build; to cook; to produce
Nuance & Usage
作る is a versatile verb meaning "to make" in a broad sense — from cooking (料理を作る) to creating things (ウェブサイトを作る — make a website). The kanji can also be written as 造る (tsukuru — to manufacture/build on a large scale) or 創る (tsukuru — to create something original), though 作る is the most general and common. Related: 手作り (tezukuri — handmade), 作り方 (tsukurikata — how to make).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 作る (to make) with する (to do). While English might say "make dinner" or "do cooking," Japanese distinguishes: 料理を作る (make/cook a dish) vs. 料理をする (do cooking as an activity). Also, 作る is a godan verb with て-form 作って (tsukutte). Common error: using できる (can do / to be completed) when 作る (to make) is intended — できる is the intransitive/potential form.
Example Sentences (3)
今日は何を作りましょうか？
きょうはなにをつくりましょうか？
What shall we make today?
母はケーキを作るのが上手です。
はははけーきをつくるのがじょうずです。
My mother is good at making cakes.
日本語で自己紹介を作ってみました。
にほんごでじこしょうかいをつくってみました。
I tried making a self-introduction in Japanese.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 作る with 4 different question types.
Want to practice this word?
Add to Fujiyama & Study with AI
Generate more example sentences, listen to native pronunciation, and review with SRS — all personalized to your JLPT level.