Translation guide
How to express 'come up with' in Japanese, covering ideas, solutions, money, and excuses.
To produce a new idea, plan, or solution through thinking.
The most common and natural way to say 'come up with' for ideas, plans, or solutions. It implies a spontaneous thought.
いいアイデアを思いついた。
I came up with a good idea.
解決策を思いつくのに時間がかかった。
It took time to come up with a solution.
Emphasizes the process of thinking something out or devising it. Slightly more deliberate than 思いつく.
新しいシステムを考え出した。
We came up with a new system.
Formal term for devising or inventing, often used in business or technical contexts.
効率的な方法を考案した。
We came up with an efficient method.
To find or provide something needed, especially money or resources, often under pressure.
General term for preparing or providing something needed. Works well for money, documents, etc.
旅行の費用を用意しなければならない。
I have to come up with the money for the trip.
彼はすぐに現金を用意した。
He came up with the cash right away.
Specifically means to scrape together or manage to raise money, often with difficulty.
なんとかお金を工面した。
I somehow came up with the money.
Formal term for squeezing out funds or resources, often used in budgeting.
予算から捻出する必要がある。
We need to come up with it from the budget.
To create something fictional or false, like an excuse or a story.
To fabricate or make up a story, excuse, or lie. Often has a negative connotation.
彼は言い訳をでっち上げた。
He came up with an excuse.
その話は全部でっち上げだ。
That story is completely made up.
To create or produce something, can be used for fabricating stories or ideas, but also for genuine creation.
Formal term for fabrication or forgery, often used in legal or media contexts.
証拠を捏造した疑いがある。
He is suspected of coming up with fabricated evidence.
The English phrasal verb 'come up with' has no single direct equivalent. Always choose the Japanese expression based on what is being produced: an idea, money, an excuse, etc.
彼女は面白いキャラクターを作り出した。
She came up with an interesting character.