Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
駆使する
くしする (kushi suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
冷やかす
ひやかす (hiyakasu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 駆使する and 冷やかす.
In Japanese, 駆使する (くしする (kushi suru)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 冷やかす (ひやかす (hiyakasu)) maps to "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Has two main meanings: 1. To tease or make fun of someone, often in a playful but sometimes annoying way. 2. To browse in shops without the intention of buying. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "冷やかす"
彼が彼女を冷やかしているのを見て、みんなが笑った。
Everyone laughed, seeing him teasing her.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "He is actively working in international business by making full use of his language skills.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "駆使する" fits here because it means "to make full use of, to master, to handle with skill" in the context of: "He is actively working in international business by making full use of his language skills.". "冷やかす" represents "to make fun of, to tease, to banter; to window-shop without buying".