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
捗る
はかどる (hakadoru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間に合わせる and 捗る.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "捗る" represents "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)".