Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誤る
あやまる (ayamaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
捗る
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誤る and 捗る.
In Japanese, 誤る (あやまる (ayamaru)) is typically associated with "to make a mistake, to err" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to making an error or a mistake in judgment, action, or calculation. It's often used in a more formal or reflective context than 間違える.
On the other hand, 捗る (はかどる (hakadoru)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誤る"
彼は計算を誤って、結果が違っていた。
He made a mistake in the calculation, so the result was different.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は計算を誤って、結果が違っていた。" (Meaning: "He made a mistake in the calculation, so the result was different.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誤る" fits here because it means "to make a mistake, to err" in the context of: "He made a mistake in the calculation, so the result was different.". "捗る" represents "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)".