Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
埋め合わせる
うめあわせる (umeawaseru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
駆使
くし (kushi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 埋め合わせる and 駆使.
In Japanese, 埋め合わせる (うめあわせる (umeawaseru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 駆使 (くし (kushi)) maps to "make full use of, utilize to the utmost, master" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies skillful and exhaustive use of one's abilities, tools, or knowledge to achieve a goal. Often used with skills, technology, or resources.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "駆使"
彼は語学力を駆使して、海外でのビジネスを成功させた。
He made full use of his language skills to succeed in business overseas.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "昨日の遅刻を ＿＿＿ ために、今日は早く出社した。" (Meaning: "To make up for being late yesterday, I came to work early today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "埋め合わせる" fits here because it means "to make up for; to compensate for; to make amends" in the context of: "To make up for being late yesterday, I came to work early today.". "駆使" represents "make full use of, utilize to the utmost, master".