Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
作る
つくる (tsukuru)
N5 / 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 作る and はかどる.
In Japanese, 作る (つくる (tsukuru)) is typically associated with "to make, to produce" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for creating physical objects, food, plans, etc. 「作ります」is the polite form..
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 "作る"
晩ごはんを作ります。
I will make dinner.
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: "晩ごはんを作ります。" (Meaning: "I will make dinner.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "作る" fits here because it means "to make, to produce" in the context of: "I will make dinner.". "はかどる" represents "to make progress, to advance (work, study)".