製作

せいさく

manufacture, production

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"製作" (せいさく) primarily means "manufacture" or "production," especially referring to the creation of physical goods, films, games, or other creative works. It is often used in formal or business contexts.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "製作" used when talking about the production of movies, games, machinery, or other manufactured items. It emphasizes the process of making or creating something tangible.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 製作する: to manufacture or produce something.
  • 製作過程: manufacturing or production process.
  • 製作会社: production company (often for films or media).

Register and Nuance

"製作" is more formal and technical than words like "作る" (to make). It is suitable for business, industry, and media production contexts. Avoid using it for casual or everyday making of things.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse "製作" (manufacture/production) with "制作" (せいさく), which can also mean production but is more often used for artistic or creative works like art or music. However, in many contexts, these two can overlap. Pay attention to the context and the kanji used.

Example Sentences

このえいがはにほんでせいさくされました。

This movie was produced in Japan.

あたらしいゲームのせいさくにとりかかっています。

We are starting the production of a new game.

せいさくかていでおおくのもんだいがはっせいした。

Many problems occurred during the manufacturing process.