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
間に合わせる
まにあわせる (maniawaseru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 作る and 間に合わせる.
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, 間に合わせる (まにあわせる (maniawaseru)) maps to "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 決められた期限までに何かを完成させる、または、理想的ではないが一時的に代替品で用事を済ませる、という意味で使われます。. 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 "間に合わせる"
レポートを締め切りに間に合わせる。
To finish the report by the deadline.
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.". "間に合わせる" represents "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline".