Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
間違える
まちがえる (machigaeru)
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 間違える and 捗る.
In Japanese, 間違える (まちがえる (machigaeru)) is typically associated with "to make a mistake, to err" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when one makes an error, often unintentionally. It can be for misremembering, miscalculating, etc..
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 "間違える"
住所を間違えて、違う場所に行ってしまった。
I went to the wrong place because I made a mistake with the address.
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: "住所を間違えて、違う場所に行ってしまった。" (Meaning: "I went to the wrong place because I made a mistake with the address.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "間違える" fits here because it means "to make a mistake, to err" in the context of: "I went to the wrong place because I made a mistake with the address.". "捗る" represents "to make progress; to advance (work, studies, etc.)".