Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
努める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
冷やかす
ひやかす (hiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努める and 冷やかす.
In Japanese, 努める (つとめる (tsutomeru)) is typically associated with "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used when talking about making a conscious effort or trying hard to achieve something. It implies perseverance. It is an intransitive verb in most common usages related to effort..
On the other hand, 冷やかす (ひやかす (hiyakasu)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "努める"
彼は目標達成のために毎日努めている。
He strives every day to achieve his goal.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は目標達成のために毎日努めている。" (Meaning: "He strives every day to achieve his goal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "努める" fits here because it means "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive" in the context of: "He strives every day to achieve his goal.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".