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
間に合わせる
まにあわせる (maniawaseru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力する and 間に合わせる.
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, 間に合わせる (まにあわせる (maniawaseru)) maps to "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 決められた期限までに何かを完成させる、または、理想的ではないが一時的に代替品で用事を済ませる、という意味で使われます。. 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 "間に合わせる"
レポートを締め切りに間に合わせる。
To finish the report by the deadline.
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.". "間に合わせる" represents "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline".