Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
進歩する
しんぽする (shinpo suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
役立てる
やくだてる (yakudateru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 進歩する and 役立てる.
In Japanese, 進歩する (しんぽする (shinpo suru)) is typically associated with "to make progress, to improve" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe progress in skills, technology, or projects..
On the other hand, 役立てる (やくだてる (yakudateru)) maps to "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to express making something useful or contributing to something. Could be for skills, experiences, or tools.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "進歩する"
彼女の日本語は毎日進歩している。
Her Japanese is improving every day.
Bilingual Context for "役立てる"
この経験を今後の仕事に役立てたい。
I want to put this experience to good use in my future work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女の日本語は毎日進歩している。" (Meaning: "Her Japanese is improving every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "進歩する" fits here because it means "to make progress, to improve" in the context of: "Her Japanese is improving every day.". "役立てる" represents "to make use of, to put to good use, to utilize".