Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
努力する
どりょくする (doryoku suru)
N4 / 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 努力する and 冷やかす.
In Japanese, 努力する (どりょくする (doryoku suru)) is typically associated with "to make an effort, to strive, to endeavor" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents To put in conscious effort and hard work towards a goal, emphasizing persistence and dedication. Often used for achieving difficult objectives like passing an exam or mastering a skill..
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 "努力する"
夢を叶えるために、毎日努力しています。
I make an effort every day to achieve my dream.
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: "夢を叶えるために、毎日努力しています。" (Meaning: "I make an effort every day to achieve my dream.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "努力する" fits here because it means "to make an effort, to strive, to endeavor" in the context of: "I make an effort every day to achieve my dream.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".