Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Make" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "make", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
騒ぐ
さわぐ (sawagu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
努める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 騒ぐ and 努める.
In Japanese, 騒ぐ (さわぐ (sawagu)) is typically associated with "to make a noise; to be noisy; to make a fuss" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Describes people making loud noises, being boisterous, or causing a commotion. Can also mean to panic. 大声を出したり、うるさくしたり、落ち着きがなくなったりする様子を表します。.
On the other hand, 努める (つとめる (tsutomeru)) maps to "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used when talking about making a conscious effort or trying hard to achieve something. It implies perseverance. It is an intransitive verb in most common usages related to effort.. A literal translation of "make" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "騒ぐ"
子供たちが公園で楽しく騒いでいます。
The children are having fun making noise in the park.
Bilingual Context for "努める"
彼は目標達成のために毎日努めている。
He strives every day to achieve his goal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供たちが公園で楽しく騒いでいます。" (Meaning: "The children are having fun making noise in the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "騒ぐ" fits here because it means "to make a noise; to be noisy; to make a fuss" in the context of: "The children are having fun making noise in the park.". "努める" represents "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive".