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
努める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力する and 努める.
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, 努める (つとめる (tsutomeru)) maps to "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.. 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 "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.
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.". "努める" represents "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive".