作る
tsukuru
/tsɯ̟ˈkɯ̟ɾɯ̟/
Definition
To make, create, or prepare something — whether food, an object, or a plan.
Example
母は毎朝おいしい朝ごはんを作る。
Show translation
My mother makes a delicious breakfast every morning.
Etymology
From Old Japanese *tukuru*, a native Yamato verb. Historically written 造る (for large-scale construction or brewing) or 作る (for general making), though 作る has become the dominant everyday form. The kanji 作 (radical 人 "person" + 乍 "suddenly/to do") hints at deliberate human action bringing something into being.
Cultural note
作る is wonderfully versatile in Japanese culture: you 作る dinner (料理を作る), a friend group (友達を作る), a rule (ルールを作る), or even an excuse (言い訳を作る). During summer festivals (お祭り) in late July, people 作る handmade crafts and homemade yukata accessories — making the word especially timely for this date. Note that for very large construction (buildings, ships) Japanese speakers may prefer 造る, same reading but different kanji.