Translation guide
To invent, devise, or create an idea, plan, or solution in your mind.
To come up with a new idea, plan, or method through thinking.
The most direct and common way to say 'think up', meaning to devise or invent an idea through thinking.
新しいゲームを考え出した。
I thought up a new game.
彼は面白い企画を考え出した。
He thought up an interesting project.
To hit upon an idea, often spontaneously. Slightly more casual and sudden than 考え出す.
A more formal term for devising or inventing, often used in business or technical contexts.
新製品を考案する。
Think up a new product.
To wrack one's brains to come up with something, implying effort and difficulty.
To fabricate or invent a story, excuse, or lie.
いいアイデアを思いついた！
I thought up a good idea!
解決策を思いつくのに時間がかかった。
It took time to think up a solution.
お金を捻り出す方法を考えた。
I thought up a way to scrape together some money.
To fabricate or make up a story, often with a negative connotation of lying.
彼は言い訳をでっち上げた。
He thought up an excuse.
その話は全部でっち上げだ。
That story is completely made up.
To tell a made-up story, more neutral than でっち上げる.
子供たちは面白い作り話をした。
The children thought up a funny story.
To create a fictional story, often used for artistic or literary creation.
彼女は新しい物語を創作した。
She thought up a new tale.