Meaning and Usage
"製造" (せいぞう) primarily means "manufacture" or "production," referring to the process of making goods, especially in factories or industrial settings. It is a formal noun often used in business, engineering, and industrial contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "製造" in discussions about factories, production lines, and quality control. It often pairs with words like "工場" (factory), "過程" (process), and "技術" (technology).
Collocations and Patterns
- 製造する: to manufacture or produce something.
- 製造過程: manufacturing process.
- 製造業: manufacturing industry.
- 製造技術: manufacturing technology.
Register and Nuance
"製造" is a formal term and is rarely used in casual conversation. Instead, casual speakers might use "作る" (to make) or "作成する" (to create) depending on context. "製造" emphasizes industrial-scale production.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "製造" with "生産" (せいさん), which also means production but can be broader, including agricultural production. Use "製造" specifically for manufactured goods or industrial production.