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
生かす
いかす (ikasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "make" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 騒ぐ and 生かす.
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, 生かす (いかす (ikasu)) maps to "to make good use of, to leverage, to keep alive" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often refers to utilizing one's skills, experience, or a resource effectively. Can also mean to save a life or let something live.. 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 "生かす"
この経験を次の仕事に生かしたい。
I want to make good use of this experience in my next job.
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.". "生かす" represents "to make good use of, to leverage, to keep alive".