Translation and Meaning of: 製造 - seizou

The Japanese word 製造[せいぞう] is an essential term for anyone wanting to understand the industrial and productive universe of Japan. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese refer to the act of manufacturing something, this article will clarify everything about the meaning, use, and curiosities of this expression. Here, on Suki Nihongo, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to practical examples from everyday Japanese life.

Meaning and Translation of 製造

製造[せいぞう] means "manufacturing" or "production." It is a noun that describes the process of producing something on a large scale, usually associated with factories, industries, and production lines. The most common translation is "manufacturing" in English, but it can also be used in more specific contexts, such as the creation of handmade products on a small scale.

It is worth noting that 製造 carries a technical and formal connotation. Unlike words such as 作る[つくる] (to make/create), which are more generic, せいぞう is used when there is a systematic process involved. For example, the manufacturing of cars or electronics in Japan often employs this term in manuals and official documents.

Origin and Composition of Kanjis

The word 製造 is composed of two kanji: 製 (sei) and 造 (zou). The first, 製, is related to "production" or "making," while 造 means "construction" or "creation." Together, they form a solid concept of structured manufacturing. This combination is not random—it reflects the Japanese linguistic precision in describing industrial processes.

Interestingly, the kanji 造 also appears in words like 建造[けんぞう] (naval construction) and 醸造[じょうぞう] (fermentation of beverages), showcasing its versatility in creation contexts. On the other hand, 製 is often seen in like 製品[せいひん] (manufactured product) and 製鉄[せいてつ] (iron production).

Cultural Usage and Frequency in Japan

In Japan, 製造 is a common word in corporate and industrial environments. Companies like Toyota and Sony use this term in annual reports and process descriptions. Outside of the business context, it appears in news about product recalls or technological innovations, demonstrating its relevance in modern Japanese society.

An interesting fact is that, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan underwent rapid industrialization, and 製造 gained even more prominence. To this day, the term is associated with the efficiency and quality that mark the industrial reputation of the country. If you visit cities like Nagoya or Osaka, you will often see factory signs using this word.

Tips to Memorize 製造

An effective way to memorize 製造 is to associate the kanjis with mental images. Think of 製 as "something being cut" (the radical 衣 represents fabric) and 造 as "something being built" (the radical 辶 suggests movement). Together, they form the idea of transforming materials into products—exactly what manufacturing means.

Another tip is to practice with flashcards or apps like Anki, inserting sentences such as "この工場は車を製造しています" (This factory produces cars). Repeating the term in real contexts helps to fix it in the active vocabulary, especially for students of technical or business Japanese.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 製作 (Seisaku) - Production, creation of works, such as movies or music.
• 生産 (Seisan) - Large-scale production, normally referring to the manufacturing of goods.
• 製造 (Seizō) - Manufacturing, industrial production process.
• 造る (Tsukuru) - Build, create, or form something in general.