Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ある
ある (aru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
我慢する
がまんする (gamansuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ある and 我慢する.
In Japanese, ある (ある (aru)) is typically associated with "to be, to exist (inanimate objects)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 動かないもの（物、植物など）の存在を表します。人間や動物には「いる」を使います。
Expresses the existence of inanimate objects.
On the other hand, 我慢する (がまんする (gamansuru)) maps to "to be patient; to endure; to put up with; to tolerate; to suppress" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when one has to endure or tolerate something difficult, painful, or annoying, or to suppress a desire/feeling. It implies a conscious effort to bear something unpleasant.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ある"
机の上に本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
Bilingual Context for "我慢する"
痛かったけど、最後まで我慢しました。
It hurt, but I endured it until the end.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "机の上に本があります。" (Meaning: "There is a book on the desk.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ある" fits here because it means "to be, to exist (inanimate objects)" in the context of: "There is a book on the desk.". "我慢する" represents "to be patient; to endure; to put up with; to tolerate; to suppress".