Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
はかどる
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
先手を打つ
せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はかどる and 先手を打つ.
In Japanese, はかどる (はかどる (hakadoru)) is typically associated with "to make progress, to advance (work, study)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to work, study, or other tasks progressing well and efficiently..
On the other hand, 先手を打つ (せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)) maps to "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take action before an opponent or before a problem escalates, often to gain an advantage, prevent negative outcomes, or control the situation. Implies strategic or proactive thinking.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "はかどる"
今日は仕事がはかどった。
My work made good progress today.
Bilingual Context for "先手を打つ"
彼は相手の行動の前に先手を打った。
He preempted the opponent's move.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "今日は仕事がはかどった。" (Meaning: "My work made good progress today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "はかどる" fits here because it means "to make progress, to advance (work, study)" in the context of: "My work made good progress today.". "先手を打つ" represents "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt".