Make it up to Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
MAYK it UP to / tuh / ti
mˈeɪk/ /ˈɪt/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː
MAYK it UP TOO
Definition
To do something kind or helpful for someone because you did something wrong to them, in order to show you are sorry.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in everyday and semi-formal contexts to apologize and offer compensation for a mistake or disappointment. Typically followed by a person: 'I'll make it up to you.' Not used for objects or situations. Can refer to both small and large gestures.
Spanish: compensar a - enmendarse conPortuguese (BR): compensar - se redimir comPortuguese (PT): compensar - redimir-se paraChinese (Simplified): 补偿（某人）- 弥补（某人）Chinese (Traditional): 補償（某人）- 彌補（某人）Hindi: भरपाई करना - मुआवज़ा देनाArabic: يعوّض عن (لشخص ما) - يكفّر عنBengali: ক্ষতিপূরণ দেওয়া - ভুলের জন্য ক্ষমা চাওয়া (কর্মের মাধ্যমে)Russian: загладить свою вину - исправиться перед (кем-то)Japanese: 埋め合わせをするVietnamese: bù đắp - chuộc lỗiKorean: 보상하다 - 만회하다Turkish: telafi etmekUrdu: ازالہ کرنا - معاوضہ دیناIndonesian: menebus kesalahan - membayar kesalahan
Example Sentences
I'm sorry I forgot your birthday. Let me make it up to you.
basic
She promised to make it up to her friend after arriving late.
basic
I'll make it up to you by taking you to dinner.
basic
Can I buy you coffee to make it up to you?
natural
I know I messed up, but I'll make it up to you somehow.
natural
You can't just say sorry—you have to make it up to me.
natural