でできる
Made of, Made from, Produced from, Come from
Structure
(1) から
Explanation
The patterns でできる and からできる are used to express what something is made of. In essence, they both translate to '(B) is made from/of (A)'. This grammar is used to specify the materials or ingredients that compose an object. Let's examine a couple of examples.
- 祖母は小麦粉とバターでできるクッキーを作ってくれた。My grandmother made me cookies that are made from flour and butter.
- ワインはブドウからできるということを知っていますか。Do you know that wine is made from grapes?
In this grammar pattern, both から and で function as case marking particles. While their English translation is often identical, a subtle distinction exists between them. Here is a summary of the difference:
から - This implies 'produced from'. It is typically chosen when the original material has been completely transformed and is no longer recognizable in the final product. The emphasis is on the raw material before it underwent any processing.
で - This suggests 'made with/of'. It is generally used when the raw material is still easily identifiable in the finished item.
However, it is worth noting that younger speakers often use で for nearly all cases, even when the original material isn't immediately apparent. Consequently, in contemporary Japanese, the distinction between でできる and からできる has become much less rigid.
Caution
A minor difference also exists between できる and できている within this grammar structure. できる is often used for general statements, implying that '(B) as a category is made from (A)'. In contrast, できている is more common when referring to a specific object, meaning 'this particular (B) is made of (A)'. Much like the で and から distinction, this rule is flexible and they are often used interchangeably.
- ほとんどの本は紙でできる。Most books are made of paper. (Books in general)
- この指輪は金でできている。This ring is made of gold. (This specific ring)
Examples
この本は特別な紙でできています。
This book is made of special paper.
この地域のチーズは新鮮な牛乳からできていて、とてもおいしいです。
The cheese from this region is made from fresh milk and is very delicious.
彼女の指輪は純金でできています。
Her ring is made of pure gold.
ビールは主に麦とホップからできます。
Beer is mainly made from barley and hops.
あの赤い建物はレンガでできているので、とても丈夫だ。
That red building is made of brick, so it's very sturdy.
豆腐は大豆からできている健康的な食べ物だ。
Tofu is a healthy food made from soybeans.
このセーターは100パーセントウールでできているから、とても暖かい。
This sweater is made of 100% wool, so it's very warm.
石炭は古代の植物からできると学校で習った。
I learned in school that coal is made from ancient plants. (comes from)
このカバンは本物の革でできているので、長持ちするだろう。
This bag is made of real leather, so it will probably last a long time.
ガラスが砂からできているなんて、知らなかった！
I didn't know that glass is made from sand!
この古い橋は丈夫な石でできていて、何百年も前に造られた。
This old bridge is made of sturdy stone and was built hundreds of years ago.
コンクリートはセメント、水、砂などからできています。
Concrete is made from cement, water, sand, and other materials.