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"Make up" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "inventar", and "make it up" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "inventarlo". Learn more about the difference between "make up" and "make it up" below.
make up(
meyk
uhp
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (to invent)
a. inventar
We found out that her story was all made up.Descubrimos que se había inventado toda la historia.
3. (to prepare)
a. preparar (prescription)
I'll get the pharmacist to make up your prescription.Le pediré al farmacéutico que prepare su receta.
b. hacer (bed or list)
We had to make up a bed on the floor.Tuvimos que hacernos una cama en el piso.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I don't think they'll ever make it up, to be honest.Si te soy sincera, dudo que jamás se reconciliarán.
I think Will and Jen have made it up now.Creo que Will y Jen ya se han hecho las paces.
a. maquillar
I want to make my sister up for her wedding.Quiero maquillar a mi hermana el día de su boda.
a. maquillarse
I make myself up every morning for work.Me maquillo todas las mañanas para ir a trabajar.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. hacer las paces
They're not talking to each other but they will make up eventually.No se hablan, pero acabarán por hacer las paces.
b. reconciliarse
After ten years of not talking to each other, the brothers finally made up.Después de diez años de no hablarse, los hermanos por fin se reconciliaron.
make it up(
meyk
ihd
uhp
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
a. inventarlo
This is a really interesting story. - Thanks. I'm making it up as I go along.Este relato es muy interesante. - Gracias. Lo estoy inventando mientras lo cuento.
a. compensarlo
I forgot to go to my daughter's school play and I don't know how to make it up to her.Se me olvidó ir a la obra escolar de mi hija y no sé cómo compensárselo.
b. recuperarlo
I lost a lot of work time when I was sick, and now I am struggling to make it up.Perdí mucho tiempo de trabajo cuando estaba enferma, y ahora me cuesta recuperarlo.
a. prepararlo
Your order got lost in the kitchen, but we're making it up now. Enjoy this free appetizer while you wait.Se perdió su pedido en la cocina, pero ya lo preparamos. Disfruten de esta entrada gratis mientras esperan.
c. elaborarlo
I left my shopping list at home. I'll have to make it up from memory.Dejé mi lista de compras en casa. Tengo que elaborarla de memoria.
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
4. (imperative)
a. invéntalo (informal) (singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
I didn't have time to plan the lecture for my class that starts in five minutes. - Make it up. It will be fine.No tuve tiempo de planear la lección para mi clase que empieza en cinco minutos. - Invéntala. Estará bien.
