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
生かす
いかす (ikasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 進歩する and 生かす.
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, 生かす (いかす (ikasu)) maps to "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.. 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 "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.
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.". "生かす" represents "to make good use of, to leverage, to keep alive".