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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

埋め合わせる

うめあわせる (umeawaseru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力する and 埋め合わせる. 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, 埋め合わせる (うめあわせる (umeawaseru)) maps to "to make up for; to compensate for; to make amends" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 損失や不足、過ちなどに対して、何かをして帳消しにする、または等価なものを提供する状況で使う。Used when doing something to cancel out a loss, deficiency, or mistake, or providing something equivalent.. 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 "埋め合わせる"
昨日の遅刻を埋め合わせるために、今日は早く出社した。
To make up for being late yesterday, I came to work early today.

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.". "埋め合わせる" represents "to make up for; to compensate for; to make amends".

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