Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
さわぐ
さわぐ (sawagu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
冷やかす
ひやかす (hiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さわぐ and 冷やかす.
In Japanese, さわぐ (さわぐ (sawagu)) is typically associated with "to make noise, to be boisterous, to make a fuss" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making loud noise or creating a disturbance. Often implies inappropriate or excessive noise..
On the other hand, 冷やかす (ひやかす (hiyakasu)) maps to "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 1. To tease or make fun of someone, often in a playful but sometimes annoying way. 2. To browse in shops without the intention of buying. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "さわぐ"
図書館で騒いではいけません。
You must not make noise in the library.
Bilingual Context for "冷やかす"
彼が彼女を冷やかしているのを見て、みんなが笑った。
Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "図書館で騒いではいけません。" (Meaning: "You must not make noise in the library.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "さわぐ" fits here because it means "to make noise, to be boisterous, to make a fuss" in the context of: "You must not make noise in the library.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".