Translation guide
The English verb "create" covers a wide range of actions from making physical objects to establishing organizations, producing art, or causing situations. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being created and how.
To bring something into existence, often a physical object or a tangible result.
The most common and versatile verb for 'make' or 'create'. Used for food, objects, works, rules, etc.
彼は夕食を作った。
He made dinner.
新しいルールを作る必要がある。
We need to create new rules.
Formal term for creating documents, plans, lists, etc. Common in business and technical contexts.
報告書を作成しました。
I created a report.
Literally 'give birth to', used for creating something original or innovative, like art, ideas, or new value.
彼は多くの名作を生み出した。
He created many masterpieces.
To set up an institution, company, or structured system.
Standard verb for founding companies, organizations, or institutions.
彼は新しい会社を設立した。
He founded a new company.
Similar to 設立 but often used for schools, hospitals, or cultural institutions, emphasizing the initial creation.
この大学は1950年に創設された。
This university was founded in 1950.
Can also be used for creating organizations or systems in a more general sense.
To produce artistic or intellectual works.
Specifically for creating original artistic or literary works.
彼女は小説を創作している。
She is creating a novel.
Commonly used for making songs, poems, paintings, etc., in everyday language.
彼は自分で曲を作る。
He creates his own songs.
Specifically for creating a picture or painting; also metaphorically for depicting or portraying.
To bring about a state, condition, or emotion.
Used for creating situations, feelings, or atmospheres, often with a nuance of bringing something new into existence.
その言葉は誤解を生み出した。
Those words created a misunderstanding.
Similar to 生み出す, but can imply a more deliberate act of creating a situation or atmosphere.
Means 'bring about' or 'result in', often used for consequences or changes.
To make something in a digital or virtual environment.
Standard for creating digital items like documents, accounts, folders, etc.
新しいフォルダを作成してください。
Please create a new folder.
Informal alternative for digital creation, common in casual contexts.
ウェブサイトを作った。
I created a website.
While 作る is the most common translation, it can sound unnatural for founding organizations or creating abstract situations. Use more specific verbs like 設立する or 生み出す when appropriate.
作る is general and used in daily life. 作成する is formal and preferred for documents, data, and official items. In business settings, 作成する is safer for written communication.
Let's create a new team.
She created a beautiful landscape painting.
彼らは楽しい雰囲気を作り出した。
They created a fun atmosphere.
新しい技術が大きな変化をもたらした。
The new technology created a big change.