Japanese word

まくる

Pronunciation

Romajimakuru

Meaning

  • verbroll up

Example

暑いので、袖をまくります。atsu i no de sode o ma ku ri ma su

It is hot, so I roll up my sleeves.

Illustration for まくる (roll up)

More examples

雨が降りそうなので、ズボンの裾をまくります。ame ga fu ri sō na no de zu bo n no suso o ma ku ri ma su

I roll up my pant legs because it looks like it will rain.

Core concept

It describes moving a flexible part upward by winding or folding it so that more of what lies beneath is exposed.

Common phrases

  • 袖をまくるsode o ma ku ru

    roll up one's sleeves

  • 裾をまくるsuso o ma ku ru

    roll up one's pant legs

Similar words

たくし上げるtakushiageru: To raise clothing by pulling it upward and gathering the material.
巻き上げるmakiageru: To wind a flexible material upward or gather it into a raised form.
折り上げるoriageru: To turn a lower edge upward by making a fold.

Definition in Japanese

袖や裾などを折り上げ、短くすること。sode ya suso na do o o ri a ge mijika ku su ru ko to

Word origin

The native Japanese verb まくる (makuru, "to roll up") is related to 巻く (maku, "to wind or wrap"), though its exact historical formation is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase "roll up one's sleeves" can also mean preparing to work, while まくる (makuru) in this use describes the physical action itself.

Other meanings

  • turn upverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word