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
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 生かす and 冷やかす.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".