How to say "makeup" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 構造こうぞうnounCovers 'makeup' in the sense of structure or framework: how something is built and organized, physical or abstract, as in the makeup of a building or an organization. Never used for cosmetics.
- noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbAn abbreviated loanword for cosmetic makeup: applying it, or the makeup itself. Use this for the cosmetic sense, as in talking about doing one's makeup before going out.
- 化粧けしょうnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe native term for the cosmetic sense: makeup worn or applied on the face, and by extension cosmetics in general. Typical when speaking of putting on or removing makeup.
- noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe full loanword form, covering the same cosmetic sense as the abbreviated メイク. Either word is fine when speaking of makeup; this longer form simply spells the borrowed word out.
- 構成こうせいnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'makeup' as composition or formation: what something consists of and how its parts are arranged, as in the makeup of a team, a committee, or a written work. Not about cosmetics.
For cosmetic makeup use 化粧 or the loanwords 「メイク」 and 「メイクアップ」; for the makeup of a thing, use 構造 when you mean its structure and 構成 when you mean its composition.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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