Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そろえる
そろえる (soroeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はかどる
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そろえる and はかどる.
In Japanese, そろえる (そろえる (soroeru)) is typically associated with "to make uniform, to arrange, to collect (all of something)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A transitive verb. Often used for aligning things, making them uniform, or collecting a complete set..
On the other hand, はかどる (はかどる (hakadoru)) maps to "to make progress, to advance (work, study)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to work, study, or other tasks progressing well and efficiently.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そろえる"
机の上をきれいにそろえた。
I neatly arranged the things on the desk.
Bilingual Context for "はかどる"
今日は仕事がはかどった。
My work made good progress today.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "机の上をきれいにそろえた。" (Meaning: "I neatly arranged the things on the desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そろえる" fits here because it means "to make uniform, to arrange, to collect (all of something)" in the context of: "I neatly arranged the things on the desk.". "はかどる" represents "to make progress, to advance (work, study)".