Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
役立てる
やくだてる (yakudateru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
はかどる
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 役立てる and はかどる.
In Japanese, 役立てる (やくだてる (yakudateru)) is typically associated with "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to express making something useful or contributing to something. Could be for skills, experiences, or tools..
On the other hand, はかどる (はかどる (hakadoru)) maps to "to make progress, to advance (work, study)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to work, study, or other tasks progressing well and efficiently.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "役立てる"
この経験を今後の仕事に役立てたい。
I want to put this experience to good use in my future work.
Bilingual Context for "はかどる"
今日は仕事がはかどった。
My work made good progress today.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この経験を今後の仕事に役立てたい。" (Meaning: "I want to put this experience to good use in my future work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "役立てる" fits here because it means "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize" in the context of: "I want to put this experience to good use in my future work.". "はかどる" represents "to make progress, to advance (work, study)".