Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いる
いる (iru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
役立つ
やくだつ (yakudatsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いる and 役立つ.
In Japanese, いる (いる (iru)) is typically associated with "to be, to exist (animate objects)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 人間や動物など、動くものの存在を表します。物や植物には「ある」を使います。
Expresses the existence of animate objects.
On the other hand, 役立つ (やくだつ (yakudatsu)) maps to "to be useful, to be helpful" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An intransitive verb. Used to describe something that serves a purpose or provides assistance. Often followed by に.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いる"
部屋に猫がいます。
There is a cat in the room.
Bilingual Context for "役立つ"
このアプリは毎日の仕事にとても役立ちます。
This app is very useful for daily work.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "部屋に猫がいます。" (Meaning: "There is a cat in the room.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いる" fits here because it means "to be, to exist (animate objects)" in the context of: "There is a cat in the room.". "役立つ" represents "to be useful, to be helpful".