Translation guide
The English phrase "be made" can refer to the creation of something, the material it is composed of, or the circumstances that cause something to happen. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing that something is created, manufactured, or produced.
Passive form of 作る (to make). Used when the focus is on the thing being made, often without specifying the maker.
この車は日本で作られています。
This car is made in Japan.
This cake was made by hand.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be made' or 'to be completed'. Often used for things that come into existence naturally or as a result of a process.
この机は木でできています。
This desk is made of wood.
ワインはぶどうからできます。
Wine is made from grapes.
Formal term for 'manufactured' or 'produced', used in industrial or technical contexts.
この部品は海外で製造されています。
This part is manufactured overseas.
Describing what something is made of or consists of.
Pattern meaning 'is made of/from'. Use で to indicate the material. The verb できる implies the material is the source.
このバッグは革でできています。
This bag is made of leather.
豆腐は大豆でできています。
Tofu is made from soybeans.
Pattern meaning 'is made from'. から emphasizes the raw material or origin. Often used when the material undergoes a significant change.
紙は木から作られます。
Paper is made from trees.
Expressing that someone is forced or caused to do something.
Causative-passive form. Indicates being made to do something, often with a sense of being forced or compelled.
私は母に野菜を食べさせられました。
I was made to eat vegetables by my mother.
彼は上司に残業させられた。
He was made to work overtime by his boss.
Passive form can sometimes imply being made to do something, especially in indirect or formal contexts. Less forceful than causative-passive.
会議で発言を求められた。
I was made to speak at the meeting (lit. I was asked to speak).
Describing how something is structured or intended.
Pattern meaning 'is made to (do something)' or 'is designed so that'. Describes the intended function or mechanism.
このドアは自動で閉まるようになっています。
This door is made to close automatically.
この機械は簡単に操作できるようになっている。
This machine is made to be easy to operate.
Both mean 'is made of/from', but 〜でできている focuses on the material as a component, while 〜から作られる emphasizes the transformation from raw material. For example, 木でできている (made of wood) vs 木から作られる (made from wood, implying processing).
Avoid directly translating 'be made to do' as 作られる (tsukurareru). Use causative-passive 〜させられる or passive 〜される depending on context.