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
捗る
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between さわぐ and 捗る.
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, 捗る (はかどる (hakadoru)) maps to "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when work or studies are progressing smoothly and efficiently.. 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 "捗る"
天気が良くて集中できたので、仕事が予想以上に捗った。
The good weather and my concentration helped my work progress more than expected.
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.". "捗る" represents "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)".