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.
I managed to finish it.
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.
I managed to catch the train.
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.
I managed to persuade him somehow.
An adverbial phrase meaning 'with great effort' or 'finally'. Used before a verb to emphasize the struggle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We finally managed to reach the summit.
I barely managed to pass the exam.
How should I manage this problem?
He manages stress well.
Means 'to process' or 'to handle'. Often used for tasks, paperwork, or data.
I can manage this work by myself.
Means 'to make do' or 'to manage with limited resources', especially time or money.
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.
Don't worry, I'll manage.
He manages the team.
Managing data is my job.
Specifically means 'to run' or 'to manage' a business or organization. Implies overall management and decision-making.
My father manages a small company.
Means 'to operate' or 'to manage' an organization, event, or website. Focuses on the ongoing operation.
She manages an NPO.
Means 'to take charge of' or 'to manage' an event or project, often implying hands-on leadership.
He managed the party preparations.
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.
I managed to scrape together the travel expenses.
Means 'to manage to get by' in life, often financially.
I manage to get by on a small pension.