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
軽んじる
かろんじる (karonjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努める and 軽んじる.
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, 軽んじる (かろんじる (karonjiru)) maps to "to make light of, to belittle, to disdain, to disregard" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To treat something or someone as unimportant or trivial; often used for disrespecting rules, advice, feelings, or established norms. Similar to 侮る but focuses more on treating something as insignificant.. 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 "軽んじる"
彼の忠告を軽んじた結果、大きな失敗をしてしまった。
As a result of making light of his advice, I made a big mistake.
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.". "軽んじる" represents "to make light of, to belittle, to disdain, to disregard".