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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

誤る

あやまる (ayamaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努める and 誤る. 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, 誤る (あやまる (ayamaru)) maps to "to make a mistake, to err" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making an error or a mistake in judgment, action, or calculation. It's often used in a more formal or reflective context than 間違える. 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 "誤る"
彼は計算を誤って、結果が違っていた。
He made a mistake in the calculation, so the result was different.

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.". "誤る" represents "to make a mistake, to err".