To make, produce, or manufacture something (often used for producing goods or building structures; the kanji 造る is often used for large-scale manufacturing/construction).
この工場では自動車を造っている。
This factory manufactures cars.
職人が木の机を作った。
A craftsman made a wooden desk.
会社は新しい生産ラインを作る予定だ。
The company plans to set up a new production line.
To prepare or cook food; to brew (e.g. alcohol).
今晩は友だちのためにカレーを作るつもりだ。
Tonight I plan to make curry for my friends.
祖母は自家製の味噌を毎年作っている。
My grandmother makes homemade miso every year.
町の小さな酒蔵で日本酒を作っている。
A small brewery in town produces sake.
To raise, grow, or cultivate (plants or animals).
彼は庭でトマトを作っている。
He grows tomatoes in his garden.
この地域ではお米を作る農家が多い。
Many farms in this region grow rice.
家庭菜園で季節の野菜を作るのが趣味だ。
My hobby is growing seasonal vegetables in my home garden.
To till or prepare land for planting.
春になると田を作る準備を始める。
In spring, they begin preparing the fields for planting.
To draw up or prepare documents; to compose written materials.
契約書を作るときは弁護士に確認してもらったほうがいい。
It's best to have a lawyer check the contract when drawing it up.
企画書を作って、来週の会議で発表する予定だ。
I'll prepare a project proposal and present it at next week's meeting.
To create artistic works or compose (music, films, artworks); to originate something creative (often written 創る).
有名な監督が新しい映画を創った。
A famous director created a new film.
彼は若いころに多くの詩を作った。
He composed many poems when he was young.
バンドはこのアルバムのために楽曲を作っている。
The band is creating songs for this album.
To coin a phrase, organize, establish, or found something (a system, organization, phrase, etc.).
会社を作るには資本金と計画が必要だ。
To start a company you need capital and a plan.
新しい制度を作るために多くの議論が行われた。
There was much debate to create a new system.
To have or produce a child (colloquial).
彼らは結婚してからすぐに子供を作った。
They had a child soon after getting married.
To make up one's face; to arrange one's appearance (e.g., putting on makeup or adopting an expression).
外出する前に鏡の前で顔を作った。
She fixed her face in front of the mirror before going out.
To fabricate (an excuse, lie, etc.); to invent something false.
彼は遅刻した理由の言い訳を作ったが、すぐにばれた。
He made up an excuse for being late, but it was soon found out.
To give a (false) appearance; to feign or put on a show of emotion or expression.
彼女は悲しそうに見せかけ、笑顔を作った。
She feigned sadness but put on a smile.
本当は不安なのに、彼は平静を作って振る舞った。
Although he was actually anxious, he acted as if calm.
To form a line or set (e.g., people forming a queue).
イベント会場の前に長い列が作られていた。
A long line had formed in front of the event venue.
To set or establish a record.
彼は大会で新しい世界記録を作った。
He set a new world record at the tournament.
To commit a sin or wrongdoing.
若いころ、彼は幾つかの過ちを作ったと告白した。
He confessed that he had made some mistakes when he was young.