making

/ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmā-kiŋ/ (ame, mw)

making — 名詞

1. The work and activities involved in creating, building, or preparing something —

1.名詞B1
釋義

製作；製造

創造或生產某物的過程

The work and activities involved in creating, building, or preparing something — such as constructing a house, cooking a meal, or filming a movie.

例句

The making of Élise's documentary about ocean pollution lasted eighteen months.

Élise 那部關於海洋污染的紀錄片，製作過程長達十八個月。

the making of [noun phrase] — process of creation

Yumi studied traditional knife making under a master craftsman in Kyoto.

Yumi 在京都向一位大師學習傳統製刀技術。

[noun] + making — compound form

同義詞
  • production

    emphasises organised or industrial output rather than the hands-on process

  • creation

    stresses the act of bringing something new into being, often artistic

  • manufacture

    suggests large-scale factory production using machinery

反義詞
  • destruction

    the opposite action of breaking or demolishing something

文法句型

the making of [something]

[noun] + making

用法筆記

Often appears in the fixed structure 'the making of + noun phrase' or as the second part of a compound noun (film-making, bread-making, decision-making). This sense is uncountable and does not have a plural form.

常見錯誤

❌Making a cake takes time.' (uses the gerund, not the noun).
✅The making of the cake took two hours.
💡the noun 'making' typically appears in 'the making of' or as a compound, not as a standalone gerund.

2. The set of items, substances, or parts that are needed in order to assemble or c

2.名詞B2
釋義

材料；原料

製作某物所需的原料或零件

The set of items, substances, or parts that are needed in order to assemble or construct a particular thing — for example, the ingredients for a dish or the pieces for a piece of furniture.

例句

Dahlia bought the makings of a chicken curry — spices, coconut milk, and rice.

Dahlia 買了做咖哩雞的材料——香料、椰奶和米飯。

the makings of [dish] — listing components

Eitan gathered the makings of a small bookshelf: wood panels, nails, and glue.

Eitan 收集了做一個小書架的零件：木板、釘子和膠水。

同義詞
  • ingredients

    specifically for food and cooking contexts

  • components

    suggests individual parts that together form a complete system

  • materials

    emphasises the physical substances or supplies needed

文法句型

the makings of [something]

用法筆記

Always used in the plural form 'makings' in this sense. Typically followed by 'of' and a noun describing what is being made. Most common in everyday contexts about food or simple construction projects.

常見錯誤

❌I need the making of a pizza.
✅I need the makings of a pizza.
💡this sense always uses the plural 'makings', never the singular 'making'.

3. The natural qualities or abilities that indicate a person or thing could develop

3.名詞B2
釋義

潛質；條件

使人或事物具備發展潛力的特質

The natural qualities or abilities that indicate a person or thing could develop into a particular kind of person or thing — for instance, someone who has the right skills and character to become an excellent leader.

例句

Trang's early stories showed she had the makings of a fine novelist.

Trang 早期的故事顯示她具備成為優秀小說家的潛質。

have the makings of — showing potential

The new programmer has the makings of a team leader someday.

這位新進程式設計師有朝一日具備成為團隊領導者的潛質。

同義詞
  • potential

    focuses on the possibility of future development rather than current signs

  • promise

    suggests positive future achievement, especially in talent-based fields

  • ability

    emphasises existing skill rather than predicted future development

反義詞
  • inability

    lack of the necessary qualities or skills

文法句型

have/show the makings of [something]

用法筆記

Always plural 'makings' in this sense. The pattern 'have the makings of' cannot be reduced to 'have the making of' (singular). The noun after 'of' names the role or thing the subject is predicted to become. Frequently used with careers, professions, or roles that require developed skill.

常見錯誤

❌She has the making of a good doctor.' (missing plural -s).
✅She has the makings of a good doctor.
💡this sense always requires the plural 'makings'.
❌He has the makings to be a leader.
✅He has the makings of a leader.
💡use 'of' not 'to be' after 'the makings'.