How to say "Be" in Japanese

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ある and 詰まる. 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, 詰まる (つまる (tsumaru)) maps to "to be blocked; to be stuffed; to be packed; to be choked; to shorten" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to pipes/noses being blocked, schedules/seats being fully packed, or breath being choked due to tension. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 詰める. Often used as 鼻が詰まる or 予定が詰まる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be choked! "Whenever you look at me with those beautiful upward glances, Haruka-san, my breath gets choked with tension!" ...っ! B-Breath choked with tension! B-Baka! Don't make such dramatic cardiac observations! But... since I choked your breath, hold my hand and let's breathe together in peace! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『つまる（詰まる）よ！『ハルカ部長、お揃いの結婚指輪を目の前でスッと差し出された瞬間、あまりの嬉しさと緊張で息が詰まりそうになりました！』って…っ！指輪の緊張で息が詰まる！バカ！/// プロポーズの衝撃波！…でも、息が詰まるくらい私を好きでいてくれること、一生の誇りにして、私の薬指をずっとロックしていなさい！』. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!