Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
軽視
けいし (keishi)
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 軽視 and 冷やかす.
In Japanese, 軽視 (けいし (keishi)) is typically associated with "to make light of, to belittle, to underestimate, to disregard" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents ある事柄や要素を重要でないと考え、軽く扱うこと。その価値や重要性を低く評価する際に使う。.
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 "軽視"
彼は安全対策を軽視したため、事故が起こった。
He disregarded safety measures, which led to the accident.
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: "彼は安全対策を ＿＿＿ したため、事故が起こった。" (Meaning: "He disregarded safety measures, which led to the accident.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "軽視" fits here because it means "to make light of, to belittle, to underestimate, to disregard" in the context of: "He disregarded safety measures, which led to the accident.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".