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
埋め合わせる
うめあわせる (umeawaseru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between はかどる and 埋め合わせる.
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, 埋め合わせる (うめあわせる (umeawaseru)) maps to "to make up for; to compensate for; to make amends" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 損失や不足、過ちなどに対して、何かをして帳消しにする、または等価なものを提供する状況で使う。Used when doing something to cancel out a loss, deficiency, or mistake, or providing something equivalent.. 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 "埋め合わせる"
昨日の遅刻を埋め合わせるために、今日は早く出社した。
To make up for being late yesterday, I came to work early today.
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.". "埋め合わせる" represents "to make up for; to compensate for; to make amends".