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
駆使する
くしする (kushi suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 間に合わせる and 駆使する.
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, 駆使する (くしする (kushi suru)) maps to "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 自分の持っている能力や知識、道具などを最大限に引き出して、効果的に使うという意味です。高度な技術や語学力などに対して使われることが多いです。. 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 "駆使する"
彼は語学力を駆使して、国際的なビジネスで活躍している。
He is actively working in international business by making full use of his language skills.
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.". "駆使する" represents "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill".