Translation guide
The English phrase "make do" means to manage with limited resources, to accept a less-than-ideal situation, or to cope with what is available. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, various expressions convey the idea of getting by, putting up with something, or improvising with what you have.
To cope or get by using what is available, even if it's not ideal.
Literally 'to make it in time' or 'to manage with what one has'. Commonly used when you have to make do with something temporarily or as a stopgap.
Let's make do with this.
I'm making do with an old computer.
Means to manage or make ends meet, often financially or with limited resources. Implies clever budgeting or time management.
I'm making do with a small budget.
I made do with the time I had and managed to finish.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to manage somehow' or 'to do something about it'. Often used when you'll find a way to make do.
We don't have enough ingredients, but I'll make do.
Means to make a temporary fix or to improvise for the moment. Often implies a makeshift solution.
We only have a makeshift solution; we'll have to make do.
To put up with something because there is no better option.
Means to endure, bear, or put up with something. Often used when you have to make do with an unpleasant situation.
It's a small room, but let's make do.
The pay is low, but I'm making do and working.
Means to do something reluctantly because there is no other choice. 'Make do' often carries this nuance of resignation.
The train stopped, so I had to make do and walk.
Means to give up or resign oneself. In some contexts, 'make do' implies accepting a situation you can't change.
To use whatever is at hand to create a solution.
Literally 'to make with what's on hand'. Perfect for cooking or crafting when you make do with available ingredients or materials.
I made do with what was in the fridge and made dinner.
Means to make do with what you have, often implying you won't buy or get anything extra.
Let's make do with what we have today.
Means to substitute or use an alternative. When you make do, you often substitute something else.
I didn't have butter, so I made do with margarine.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'make do'. Choose the expression that best fits the nuance: managing resources (間に合わせる, やりくりする), enduring (我慢する), or improvising (あり合わせで作る).
間に合わせる focuses on using something as a temporary measure, while 我慢する emphasizes enduring an unpleasant situation. Use 間に合わせる for objects/tools, and 我慢する for personal discomfort.
Make do with old tools.
Put up with the noise (make do with the noisy environment).
We'll have to make do with what we've got.
I can make do without a car.
Perfection is impossible, so let's make do with this.