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
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 間違える and 駆使する.
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, 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 "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: "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.". "駆使する" represents "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill".