で作られた
de tsukurareta
The English phrase "made of" is translated into Japanese as で作られた (de tsukurareta).
This phrase is used to describe the material or substance that an object is composed of.
Which one should you use?
While で作られた focuses on the act of manufacturing, the phrase でできている is a more common way to describe the inherent composition or substance of an object. Additionally, the active form で作る is used when describing the action of making something from a specific material.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense form で作られた is often replaced with the continuous state form で作られています to describe the current, ongoing state of an object's composition.
How do you pronounce it?
de tsukurareta
Did you know?
- While で作られた describes materials, Japanese has a different structure for 'made by' a person, using によって instead of で. Using で to describe a person's creation can mistakenly imply the person was the tool used to build it.
- When describing something 'made of' a certain material in a poetic or formal context, Japanese may use the word 製 (sei). For example, 'Made in Japan' is expressed as 日本製, treating 'made' as a suffix rather than a verb phrase.
- In Japanese, the verb 作る (tsukuru) can be used for both 'making' a physical object and 'making' a friendship or a romantic relationship.
Examples in context
- これは木で作られた机です。Kore wa ki de tsukurareta tsukue desu.This is a desk made of wood.
- 紙で作られた箱があります。Kami de tsukurareta hako ga arimasu.There is a box made of paper.
- 布で作られたバッグを買いました。Nuno de tsukurareta baggu o kaimashita.I bought a bag made of cloth.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are looking at handmade crafts at a market.
- 健太 Kentaこれは何で作られたおもちゃですか？Kore wa nani de tsukurareta omocha desu ka?What is this toy made of?
- 美咲 Misakiそれは竹で作られたものですよ。Sore wa take de tsukurareta mono desu yo.That is something made of bamboo.
- 健太 Kentaとても素敵なデザインですね。Totemo suteki na dezain desu ne.It is a very lovely design.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さんも気に入りましたか？Kenta-san mo kiniirimashita ka?Did you like it too, Kenta?
