Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
生かす
いかす (ikasu)
N3 / 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 生かす and 儲ける.
In Japanese, 生かす (いかす (ikasu)) is typically associated with "to make good use of, to leverage, to keep alive" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often refers to utilizing one's skills, experience, or a resource effectively. Can also mean to save a life or let something live..
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 "生かす"
この経験を次の仕事に生かしたい。
I want to make good use of this experience in my next job.
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: "この経験を次の仕事に生かしたい。" (Meaning: "I want to make good use of this experience in my next job.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "生かす" fits here because it means "to make good use of, to leverage, to keep alive" in the context of: "I want to make good use of this experience in my next job.". "儲ける" represents "to make a profit, to earn (money), to gain (transitive)".