Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
冷やかす
ひやかす (hiyakasu)
N2 / 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 冷やかす and 儲ける.
In Japanese, 冷やかす (ひやかす (hiyakasu)) is typically associated with "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 1. To tease or make fun of someone, often in a playful but sometimes annoying way. 2. To browse in shops without the intention of buying.
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 "冷やかす"
彼が彼女を冷やかしているのを見て、みんなが笑った。
Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.
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: "彼が彼女を冷やかしているのを見て、みんなが笑った。" (Meaning: "Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "冷やかす" fits here because it means "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying" in the context of: "Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.". "儲ける" represents "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)".