Translation guide
The English verb 'manage' covers several distinct meanings: to handle or control a situation, to succeed in doing something difficult, to be in charge of people or an organization, and to cope with limited resources. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
なんとか終わらせた。
I managed to finish it.
彼女はチームを管理している。
She manages the team.
Expressing that you were able to do something despite difficulty, or that you 'somehow' managed.
This is the most common way to say 'manage to do something' in Japanese. It implies overcoming difficulty or finding a way.
なんとか電車に間に合った。
I managed to catch the train.
なんとか宿題を終わらせた。
I managed to finish my homework.
Similar to なんとか, but slightly more emphatic about finding a way. Often used when the method was unclear.
どうにか彼を説得できた。
I managed to persuade him somehow.
Means 'barely' or 'just barely'. Used when you managed by a very small margin.
Expressing that you can deal with a problem, task, or situation effectively.
Means 'to deal with' or 'to cope with'. Suitable for problems, emergencies, or difficult situations.
この問題にどう対処すればいいですか？
How should I manage this problem?
彼はストレスにうまく対処している。
He manages stress well.
Means 'to process' or 'to handle'. Often used for tasks, paperwork, or data.
この仕事は一人で処理できます。
I can manage this work by myself.
Means 'to make do' or 'to manage with limited resources', especially time or money.
少ない予算でやりくりしている。
We are managing on a small budget.
A casual phrase meaning 'I'll manage somehow' or 'I'll figure it out'. Very common in spoken Japanese.
大丈夫、なんとかするよ。
Don't worry, I'll manage.
Expressing that you supervise, lead, or administer a team, company, or project.
The standard word for 'manage' in a business or administrative context. Covers managing people, resources, and systems.
彼はチームを管理している。
He manages the team.
データを管理するのは私の仕事です。
Managing data is my job.
Specifically means 'to run' or 'to manage' a business or organization. Implies overall management and decision-making.
父は小さな会社を経営している。
My father manages a small company.
Means 'to operate' or 'to manage' an organization, event, or website. Focuses on the ongoing operation.
彼女はNPOを運営している。
She manages an NPO.
Expressing that you are getting by or making ends meet with what you have.
The most common word for managing a budget or schedule. Implies careful adjustment.
毎月の家計をやりくりするのは大変だ。
It's hard to manage the monthly household budget.
Means 'to raise' or 'to manage to find' money or time. Often used when you somehow secure resources.
なんとか旅費を工面した。
I managed to scrape together the travel expenses.
Means 'to manage to get by' in life, often financially.
少ない年金でどうにか暮らしていく。
I manage to get by on a small pension.
The English verb 'manage' has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using マネージする (manēji suru) is understood but sounds like borrowed business jargon. It's better to choose a specific Japanese verb based on the meaning you intend.
管理する is general 'management' (people, data, systems). 経営する is specifically 'running a business'. 運営する is 'operating' an organization or event. Choose based on what is being managed.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'with great effort' or 'finally'. Used before a verb to emphasize the struggle.
やっとのことで山頂に着いた。
We finally managed to reach the summit.
かろうじて試験に合格した。
I barely managed to pass the exam.
Means 'to take charge of' or 'to manage' an event or project, often implying hands-on leadership.
彼がパーティーの準備を取り仕切った。
He managed the party preparations.