Translation guide
The English verb "devise" means to plan, invent, or create something, often through careful thought. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being devised: a plan, a method, a device, or a scheme.
To think up and develop a detailed plan, often for a specific purpose.
The most direct and common translation for "devise" when referring to creating a plan, method, or system through thought.
新しい販売戦略を考案した。
We devised a new sales strategy.
Often used for drafting or drawing up a formal plan, project, or policy.
政府は新しい経済政策を立案した。
The government devised a new economic policy.
Implies scheming or plotting, often with a negative or secretive nuance. Use carefully.
彼らは脱出計画を企てた。
They devised an escape plan.
To invent or come up with a practical method or procedure.
Suggests creating something new through effort and ingenuity, like a technique or method.
彼は新しいトレーニング法を編み出した。
He devised a new training method.
Focuses on using ingenuity and resourcefulness to come up with a clever way to do something.
省スペースの収納方法を工夫した。
We devised a space-saving storage method.
Also works here, as it broadly covers inventing or designing a method.
効率的な作業手順を考案した。
We devised an efficient work procedure.
To invent or design a physical object or mechanism.
Commonly used for inventing or designing a new device or tool.
彼は自動で水をやる装置を考案した。
He devised an automatic watering device.
Means "to invent," often for a completely new creation. Stronger than "devise."
エジソンは電球を発明した。
Edison invented the light bulb.
Literally "to produce/create," can be used for devising something tangible through ingenuity.
To think up a way to solve a problem.
Literally "think out," commonly used for coming up with a solution or idea.
彼らは問題の解決策を考え出した。
They devised a solution to the problem.
Similar to 考え出す but more formal; often used for devising a plan or idea.
委員会は新たな対策を案出した。
The committee devised new countermeasures.
考案する (devise) emphasizes the mental process of planning or designing, while 発明する (invent) implies creating something entirely new, often a physical object. Use 考案する for methods, systems, and plans; use 発明する for groundbreaking inventions.
The English "devise" is often translated as 考案する, but in casual speech, simpler verbs like 考える (think) or 作る (make) may be more natural. For example, "I devised a plan" can simply be 計画を考えた.
彼は廃材から便利な道具を作り出した。
He devised a handy tool from scrap materials.