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
役立てる
やくだてる (yakudateru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努める and 役立てる.
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, 役立てる (やくだてる (yakudateru)) maps to "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to express making something useful or contributing to something. Could be for skills, experiences, or tools.. 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 "役立てる"
この経験を今後の仕事に役立てたい。
I want to put this experience to good use in my future work.
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.". "役立てる" represents "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize".