Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
捗る
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
儲ける
もうける (moukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捗る and 儲ける.
In Japanese, 捗る (はかどる (hakadoru)) is typically associated with "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when work or studies are progressing smoothly and efficiently..
On the other hand, 儲ける (もうける (moukeru)) maps to "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This is the transitive counterpart of 儲かる. It means 'to make a profit' or 'to earn money' through a specific action or venture. Can also mean 'to get' or 'to obtain' something beneficial. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捗る"
天気が良くて集中できたので、仕事が予想以上に捗った。
The good weather and my concentration helped my work progress more than expected.
Bilingual Context for "儲ける"
彼は株で大金を儲けた。
He made a lot of money in stocks.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "天気が良くて集中できたので、仕事が予想以上に捗った。" (Meaning: "The good weather and my concentration helped my work progress more than expected.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "捗る" fits here because it means "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)" in the context of: "The good weather and my concentration helped my work progress more than expected.". "儲ける" represents "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)".