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
進歩する
しんぽする (shinpo suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間に合わせる and 進歩する.
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, 進歩する (しんぽする (shinpo suru)) maps to "to make progress, to improve" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe progress in skills, technology, or projects.. 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 "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.
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.". "進歩する" represents "to make progress, to improve".