Translation guide
The English word "lift" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically raising something, removing a rule, giving a ride, stealing, and more. Each meaning has natural Japanese expressions.
To move something to a higher position using your hands or body.
The most common and general verb for lifting something with your hands.
その箱を持ち上げてください。
Please lift that box.
彼は重い荷物を簡単に持ち上げた。
He lifted the heavy luggage easily.
A more general verb meaning 'to raise'. Can be used for lifting, but often needs context.
手を上げてください。
Please lift your hand.
Means to carry something, implying lifting and moving it to another place.
この机は重くて一人では持ち運べない。
This desk is too heavy to lift and carry by myself.
To officially end a rule or restriction.
Used for lifting bans, restrictions, blockades, etc.
政府は非常事態宣言を解除した。
The government lifted the state of emergency.
渡航禁止令が解除された。
The travel ban was lifted.
Often used for abolishing laws, systems, or regulations permanently.
その法律は撤廃されるべきだ。
That law should be lifted (abolished).
To take someone somewhere in your car.
Literally 'to let someone ride in the car'. The most natural way to say 'give a lift'.
駅まで車に乗せてあげるよ。
I'll give you a lift to the station.
彼は私を家まで車に乗せてくれた。
He gave me a lift home.
Means 'to take someone (somewhere)', often by car. Implies giving a lift.
空港まで送っていくよ。
I'll give you a lift to the airport.
To take something without permission, often secretly.
General verb for stealing. Can be used for shoplifting or theft.
彼は店から時計を盗んだ。
He lifted a watch from the store.
Specifically means shoplifting.
彼女は化粧品を万引きした。
She lifted some cosmetics.
To make someone feel happier or more energetic.
To cheer someone up, lift their spirits.
その知らせは彼を元気づけた。
The news lifted his spirits.
Casual phrase meaning to lift one's mood.
音楽を聴くと気分が上がる。
Listening to music lifts my mood.
To raise heavy objects for exercise.
The sport or activity of weightlifting.
彼は毎日重量挙げをしている。
He lifts weights every day.
Short for 'muscle training', commonly used for lifting weights or strength training.
ジムで筋トレをしてきた。
I did some lifting at the gym.
When fog or clouds clear away.
The loanword リフト (rifuto) mainly means a ski lift or a face lift. It is not used for lifting objects, giving rides, or removing bans.
リフト券を買う
buy a lift ticket (ski lift)
持ち上げる specifically means to lift something with your hands. 上げる is more general and can mean to raise, increase, or give. Use 持ち上げる when the action of lifting is clear.
駅まで車に乗せてくれませんか？
Can you give me a lift to the station?
禁止令は昨日解除されました。
The ban was lifted yesterday.
彼は箱を持ち上げて棚に置いた。
He lifted the box onto the shelf.