取(と)り繕(つくろ)う

とりつくろう
verb (godan, transitive)
to patch up; to keep up appearances; to gloss over
1. to patch up; to mend temporarily
To make quick repairs or fixes to something.
壊(こわ)れた椅子(いす)をとりあえず取(と)り繕(つくろ)った。
I patched up the broken chair for now.
2. to keep up appearances; to gloss over
To hide problems or faults to maintain a good impression.
失敗(しっぱい)を取(と)り繕(つくろ)おうとしたが、バレてしまった。
I tried to cover up my mistake, but it was found out.
体裁(ていさい)を取(と)り繕(つくろ)っても意味(いみ)がない。
There's no point in just keeping up appearances.

CONJUGATION:

  • 取(と)り繕(つくろ)う → 取(と)り繕(つくろ)わない (negative)
  • 取(と)り繕(つくろ)う → 取(と)り繕(つくろ)って (te-form)
  • 取(と)り繕(つくろ)う → 取(と)り繕(つくろ)った (past)

FORMATION:
Compound verb: 取(と)る (to take) + 繕(つくろ)う (to mend)

USAGE:

  • その場(ば)を取(と)り繕(つくろ)う (to smooth over the situation)
  • 見栄(みえ)を取(と)り繕(つくろ)う (to keep up appearances for vanity)
  • 欠点(けってん)を取(と)り繕(つくろ)う (to gloss over faults)

NUANCE:
Often implies superficiality or temporary fixes rather than addressing the real problem. Can have negative connotations of deception.

general
Added 2026.1.18 18:27 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
06500/06864_toritsukurou