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
冷やかす
ひやかす (hiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捗る and 冷やかす.
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, 冷やかす (ひやかす (hiyakasu)) maps to "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 1. To tease or make fun of someone, often in a playful but sometimes annoying way. 2. To browse in shops without the intention of buying. 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 "冷やかす"
彼が彼女を冷やかしているのを見て、みんなが笑った。
Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.
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.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".