🦅 Project Eagle
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

駆使する

くしする (kushi suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 努力する and 駆使する. 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, 駆使する (くしする (kushi suru)) maps to "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 自分の持っている能力や知識、道具などを最大限に引き出して、効果的に使うという意味です。高度な技術や語学力などに対して使われることが多いです。. 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 "駆使する"
彼は語学力を駆使して、国際的なビジネスで活躍している。
He is actively working in international business by making full use of his language skills.

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.". "駆使する" represents "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill".