ichidan verb, transitive verb
General verb for creating or constructing something tangible, from small items to structures. Often implies careful work or preparation.
彼は木で本棚をこしらえた。
He made a bookshelf out of wood.
この工場では高級家具をこしらえている。
This factory manufactures high-end furniture.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
prepare; get ready; make in advance
Used for preparing food, arrangements, or things needed ahead of time. Often implies making something ready for a specific purpose.
母は朝早く起きて弁当をこしらえた。
My mother got up early and prepared a boxed lunch.
旅行の前に必要な書類をこしらえておいた。
I prepared the necessary documents before the trip.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
dress up; adorn oneself; put on makeup
Refers to dressing oneself up, applying makeup, or adorning oneself carefully. Often used for special occasions or elaborate preparation.
彼女はパーティーのために美しく身をこしらえた。
She dressed herself up beautifully for the party.
鏡の前で顔をこしらえるのに一時間かかった。
It took her an hour to put on her makeup in front of the mirror.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
raise money; save up; incur debt
Used for gathering or preparing a sum of money, often with effort. Can refer to saving up, raising funds, or even incurring a debt.
彼は留学費用をこしらえるためにアルバイトをしている。
He is working part-time to raise money for studying abroad.
事業の失敗で多額の借金をこしらえてしまった。
The business failure left him with a large debt.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
have a child; make a friend; start an affair
Colloquial use for acquiring or creating a relationship or offspring. Often implies effort or intentionality, sometimes with a slightly old-fashioned or humorous tone.
若い頃に子供をこしらえて、苦労した。
He had a child when he was young and struggled.
新しい職場で早速友達をこしらえた。
He quickly made friends at his new workplace.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
make up an excuse; fabricate a story; concoct
Used for inventing a false story, excuse, or explanation. Carries a negative nuance of deception.
遅刻の言い訳をこしらえるのに必死だった。
He was desperate to make up an excuse for being late.
彼は巧みな嘘をこしらえて、みんなを騙した。
He concocted a clever lie and deceived everyone.