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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

儲ける

もうける (moukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 作る and 儲ける. 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, 儲ける (もうける (moukeru)) maps to "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This is the transitive counterpart of 儲かる. It means 'to make a profit' or 'to earn money' through a specific action or venture. Can also mean 'to get' or 'to obtain' something beneficial. 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 "儲ける"
彼は株で大金を儲けた。
He made a lot of money in stocks.

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.". "儲ける" represents "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)".