Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Manage" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "manage", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
管理する
かんりする (kanri suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
こぎつける
こぎつける (kogitsukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "manage" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 管理する and こぎつける.
In Japanese, 管理する (かんりする (kanri suru)) is typically associated with "to manage; to control; to supervise; to maintain" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to maintaining, controlling, or supervising resources, systems, schedules, or health in a proper state. Often used as スケジュールを管理する or 情報を管理する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To manage! "I want Haruka-san to manage my daily schedule and my entire heart!" ...っ! T-To demand me to supervise your life! B-Baka! Don't give me such massive responsibility! But... if you are giving me full ownership, I will strictly manage you with absolute love! No escaping! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『かんり（管理）するよ！『ハルカ部長、僕の毎日の生活スケジュールと、この愛でいっぱいの心臓を永久に管理してください！』って…っ！心臓の管理委託？！バカ！心拍数が跳ね上がるようなこと言うんじゃないの！…でも、あんたの愛のセキュリティ担当は私だけだから、一生私の独占監修を受けなさい！』.
On the other hand, こぎつける (こぎつける (kogitsukeru)) maps to "to manage to arrive, to make it, to get through, to reach (a goal)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Means to manage to reach a destination or achieve a goal despite difficulties, often implying a struggle or effort.. A literal translation of "manage" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "管理する"
プロジェクトリーダーは、各メンバーの進捗状況をリアルタイムで_______、遅れが生じないよう適切に対策を講じる役割を担っています。
The project leader bears the role of managing each member's progress in real time and taking appropriate measures so that delays do not occur.
Bilingual Context for "こぎつける"
なんとか交渉を成立させるまでこぎつけた。
We somehow managed to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "プロジェクトリーダーは、各メンバーの進捗状況をリアルタイムで_______、遅れが生じないよう適切に対策を講じる役割を担っています。" (Meaning: "The project leader bears the role of managing each member's progress in real time and taking appropriate measures so that delays do not occur.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "管理する" fits here because it means "to manage; to control; to supervise; to maintain" in the context of: "The project leader bears the role of managing each member's progress in real time and taking appropriate measures so that delays do not occur.". "こぎつける" represents "to manage to arrive, to make it, to get through, to reach (a goal)".