仕立てる

• Reading: したてる
• Romaji: shitateru
• Kanji breakdown: 仕 (shi) — to do, to perform; 立 (ritsu/tateru) — to stand, to establish, to complete
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ta.te.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To tailor; to make or finish clothing; to prepare; to train someone for a role.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb combining 仕 (to perform, to work) and 立てる (to set up, to build). Its core meaning is tailoring garments to specification, but it extends to training or preparing a person for a particular role, or constructing something with deliberate skill. The nuance of craftsmanship and intentional shaping distinguishes it from simpler verbs like 作る.

Examples

1. 職人がオーダーメイドのスーツを丁寧に仕立ててくれた。 The craftsman carefully tailored a bespoke suit for him.
2. 監督はその若い俳優を一流のスターに仕立てようとした。 The director tried to groom the young actor into a top-tier star.
3. 彼女は安い布地を使って見事なドレスに仕立てた。 She fashioned a stunning dress out of inexpensive fabric.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, tailoring, training, mentorship, craftsmanship

Tone: crafted

Origin & History

Compound of 仕 (classical prefix for doing or finishing work) and 立てる (to erect, to complete). Originally referred specifically to the art of tailoring, later extended metaphorically to the shaping or preparation of people and things with skilled intent.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Artisans/General