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
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 生かす and 先手を打つ.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "先手を打つ" represents "to make the first move, to act first, to preempt".