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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Make" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

かける

かける (kakeru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

努力する

どりょくする (doryoku suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between かける and 努力する. In Japanese, かける (かける (kakeru)) is typically associated with "to make a phone call; to hang; to wear (glasses)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents This verb has multiple meanings. For N5, common usages include 「電話をかける」. On the other hand, 努力する (どりょくする (doryoku suru)) maps to "to make an effort, to strive, to endeavor" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To put in conscious effort and hard work towards a goal, emphasizing persistence and dedication. Often used for achieving difficult objectives like passing an exam or mastering a skill.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "かける"
友達に電話をかけます。
I will make a phone call to my friend.
Bilingual Context for "努力する"
夢を叶えるために、毎日努力しています。
I make an effort every day to achieve my dream.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "友達に電話をかけます。" (Meaning: "I will make a phone call to my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "かける" fits here because it means "to make a phone call; to hang; to wear (glasses)" in the context of: "I will make a phone call to my friend.". "努力する" represents "to make an effort, to strive, to endeavor".