How to say "Be" in Japanese

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between います and 含まれる. In Japanese, います (います (imasu)) is typically associated with "to be, to exist (animate objects)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of いる. Used for the existence of animate objects. On the other hand, 含まれる (ふくまれる (fukumaleru)) maps to "to be included; to be contained; to consist of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a component being included in a whole, ingredients contained in food/liquids, or tax included in prices. Passive of 含む. Opposing word: 除外される. Often used as 税金が含まれる or 成分に含まれる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be included! "Every single happy future scenario I imagine naturally includes the ending where I marry you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! The Haruka ending included! B-Baka! Don't sneakily fix your life's multi-ending path with me! But... since I am the only main character of your future, make sure you love only me forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ふくまれる（含まれる）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の描く幸せな未来の全シナリオには、当然あなたと結ばれるエンドが含まれる（含まれています）！』って…っ！ハルカエンドが含まれる！バカ！/// どさくさに紛れて人生のマルチエンディングを私で固定するんじゃないの！…でも、あんたの未来の唯一の主役は私なんだから、一生私だけを愛し続けなさい！』. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!