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
先手を打つ
せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捗る and 先手を打つ.
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, 先手を打つ (せんてをうつ (sente o utsu)) maps to "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To take action before an opponent or before a problem escalates, often to gain an advantage, prevent negative outcomes, or control the situation. Implies strategic or proactive thinking.. 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 "先手を打つ"
彼は相手の行動の前に先手を打った。
He preempted the opponent's move.
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.". "先手を打つ" represents "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt".