Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
います
います (imasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
欠ける
かける (kakeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between います and 欠ける.
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, 欠ける (かける (kakeru)) maps to "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that a part of something is gone, missing, or that something is incomplete.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "います"
部屋に猫がいます。
There is a cat in the room.
Bilingual Context for "欠ける"
このコップは縁が少し欠けている。
The rim of this glass is slightly chipped.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部屋に猫が ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "There is a cat in the room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "います" fits here because it means "to be, to exist (animate objects)" in the context of: "There is a cat in the room.". "欠ける" represents "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing".