Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
間に合わせる
まにあわせる (maniawaseru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
そろえる
そろえる (soroeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間に合わせる and そろえる.
In Japanese, 間に合わせる (まにあわせる (maniawaseru)) is typically associated with "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 決められた期限までに何かを完成させる、または、理想的ではないが一時的に代替品で用事を済ませる、という意味で使われます。.
On the other hand, そろえる (そろえる (soroeru)) maps to "to make uniform, to arrange, to collect (all of something)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A transitive verb. Often used for aligning things, making them uniform, or collecting a complete set.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "間に合わせる"
レポートを締め切りに間に合わせる。
To finish the report by the deadline.
Bilingual Context for "そろえる"
机の上をきれいにそろえた。
I neatly arranged the things on the desk.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "レポートを締め切りに ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "To finish the report by the deadline.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "間に合わせる" fits here because it means "to make something in time, to make do with, to manage with, to complete by a deadline" in the context of: "To finish the report by the deadline.". "そろえる" represents "to make uniform, to arrange, to collect (all of something)".