作る

• Reading: つくる
• Romaji: tsukuru
• Kanji breakdown: 作 (saku/tsuku) — to make, to create
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.kɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To make; to create; to produce; to build. A versatile verb for all types of creation.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with an る stem. One of the most broadly used verbs in Japanese, covering cooking food, making crafts, building structures, and creating plans. Often interchangeable with 造る (large-scale production) and 創る (creative works), though 作る is the most common.

Examples

1. 母は毎日おいしい料理を作ります。 My mom makes delicious food every day.
2. 友達に誕生日カードを作った。 I made a birthday card for my friend.
3. 夏休みの計画を作りましょう。 Let's make a plan for summer vacation.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, crafts, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 作 combines 亻 (person radical) and 乍 (to do/make), depicting a person engaged in the act of making something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal