How to say "create" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 生み出すうみだすgodan verb, transitive verbThe general verb for creating: bringing something new into existence, whether an idea, a work, or value. Choose this when no more specific sense of 'create' applies.
- 醸し出すかもしだすgodan verb, transitive verbUse this for creating an atmosphere, feeling, or mood — intangible things that are engendered rather than made — not for producing objects or works themselves.
- 巻き起こすまきおこすgodan verb, transitive verbFor stirring up a sensation, commotion, or controversy — reactions and events that arise and spread, not things you make. It does not fit creating objects or works.
- suru verb, transitive verbDespite matching 'create', this loanword really means to produce — a movie, show, event, or musical recording — or to design a commercial product; it is seldom the word for creating in general.
- 作り上げるつくりあげるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers creating in the sense of building something up and completing it: the emphasis falls on the finished result, a work or construction carried through to completion.
Use 「生み出す」 for bringing something new into existence, 「醸し出す」 for atmospheres and feelings, 「巻き起こす」 for sensations and commotions, 「作り上げる」 for seeing a work through to completion, and 「プロデュース」 for producing shows or products.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 生み出すうみだすto create
- 醸し出すかもしだすto create (an atmosphere, feeling, etc.)
- 巻き起こすまきおこすto create (a sensation)
- プロデュースto produce (e.g. movie, play, show, event, musical recording, etc.)
- 作り上げるつくりあげるto build up
- クリエートcreate
- なすto build up (e.g. a fortune)
- 作り出すつくりだすto invent
- 築き上げるきずきあげるto build up (a fortune, reputation, enterprise, etc.)
- 起こすおこすto cause
- 作るつくるto create (an artistic work, etc.)
See also
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