Translation guide
Expresses that someone succeeds in doing something, often despite difficulty or limited resources. Japanese uses various constructions depending on the nuance: achieving through effort, barely succeeding, finding a way, or ending up doing something.
To express that someone accomplishes something through effort or ability, often with a sense of overcoming difficulty.
A standard way to say 'can do' or 'is able to do'. When used in past tense (〜ことができた), it often implies 'managed to do'.
He managed to pass the difficult exam.
I finally managed to finish my homework.
Adverb meaning 'somehow' or 'barely'. Often used with a verb to indicate managing to do something with difficulty.
I managed to catch the train.
He managed to solve the problem.
Similar to なんとか, meaning 'somehow' or 'in some way'. Slightly more formal or literary.
I want to manage to help him somehow.
Indicates doing something completely or unintentionally. In some contexts, it can imply 'ended up managing to do', but often carries a nuance of regret or unexpected completion.
Often implies unintended or regrettable completion, so use carefully for 'manage to do'.
I managed to read the whole book in one night (and now I'm done).
To emphasize that success was achieved only with great effort or just barely.
Means 'barely' or 'just barely'. Used when success was very close to failure.
I barely managed to pass the exam.
Means 'at last' or 'finally'. Implies that the action took a long time or much effort.
Similar to やっと, but slightly more formal. Means 'finally' or 'at length'.
To express that someone arranges or contrives to do something, often implying resourcefulness.
Means 'by some means' or 'somehow or other'. Emphasizes finding a way.
Please manage to get in touch with him somehow.
Similar to どうにかして, meaning 'somehow or other'. Slightly more casual.
Means 'make sure to do' or 'try to do'. In past tense, it can imply 'managed to do' by making an effort.
I manage to exercise every day.
To express that something happens as a result of circumstances, often without deliberate effort.
Often used for unintended or accidental completion. Can sometimes be translated as 'ended up managing to do'.
Not always positive; often implies regret.
I ended up eating too much (managed to overeat).
Means 'it has been decided that' or 'it turns out that'. Can imply that circumstances led to a certain outcome.
It's been arranged that I'll go to Japan next year (I managed to get the opportunity).
All three mean 'somehow' or 'barely', but なんとか is most common in spoken Japanese. どうにか is slightly more formal. かろうじて emphasizes a very narrow margin of success.
I managed to make it in time (somehow).
I managed to make it in time (by some means).
I barely made it in time.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'manage to do'. Using 管理する (kanri suru, 'to manage' as in 'to supervise') is incorrect. Instead, use adverbs like なんとか or verb patterns like 〜ことができる.
He barely managed to survive.
I finally managed to finish work.
ようやく目的地に着いた。
We finally managed to reach our destination.
なんとかして明日までに終わらせます。
I'll manage to finish it by tomorrow somehow.