synonym Comparative
せっかく
VS
持て余す
Differences Between "せっかく" and "持て余す"
Option A
せっかく
Meaning
with much trouble, at great pains; kindly, at great length; (after all the trouble)
Reading
せっかく (sekkaku)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
せっかく来たのだから、最後まで楽しもう。
Since we went to the trouble of coming, let's enjoy it to the end.
Option B
持て余す
Meaning
to have too much of; to not know what to do with; to be burdened with
Reading
もてあます (moteamasu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
休日が長すぎて、何をすればいいか持て余している。
The holiday is too long, and I don't know what to do with my time.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(with much trouble, at great pains; kindly, at great length; (after all the trouble))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- せっかく: Expresses that something was done with effort or a special opportunity, and often implies that it would be a shame to waste it, or expresses gratitude for the effort. (苦労や努力をしてせっかく何かをしたのに、という残念な気持ちや、貴重な機会、相手の好意に対して感謝の気持ちを表す際に使われます。)
- 持て余す: Implies having something in excess (time, money, power) and feeling unable to manage it or make good use of it. (時間や能力、財産などが多すぎて、どう扱ってよいか困る、有効に活用できないという意味で使われます。)
- せっかく: Expresses that something was done with effort or a special opportunity, and often implies that it would be a shame to waste it, or expresses gratitude for the effort. (苦労や努力をしてせっかく何かをしたのに、という残念な気持ちや、貴重な機会、相手の好意に対して感謝の気持ちを表す際に使われます。)
- 持て余す: Implies having something in excess (time, money, power) and feeling unable to manage it or make good use of it. (時間や能力、財産などが多すぎて、どう扱ってよいか困る、有効に活用できないという意味で使われます。)
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