Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
先手を打つ
せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
駆使する
くしする (kushi suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 先手を打つ and 駆使する.
In Japanese, 先手を打つ (せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 駆使する (くしする (kushi suru)) maps to "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 自分の持っている能力や知識、道具などを最大限に引き出して、効果的に使うという意味です。高度な技術や語学力などに対して使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "駆使する"
彼は語学力を駆使して、国際的なビジネスで活躍している。
He is actively working in international business by making full use of his language skills.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は相手の行動の前に先手を打った。" (Meaning: "He preempted the opponent's move.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "先手を打つ" fits here because it means "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt" in the context of: "He preempted the opponent's move.". "駆使する" represents "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill".