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
繋がる
つながる (tsunagaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いる and 繋がる.
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, 繋がる (つながる (tsunagaru)) maps to "to be connected, to be tied, to be linked (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 物と物が結びついている状態を表す「自動詞」です。電話が通じる、関係がある、などの意味でも使われます。/ An intransitive verb describing a state where objects are linked. Also used for phone connections or having a relationship.. 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 "繋がる"
この道は駅に繋がっている。
This road leads to the station.
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.". "繋がる" represents "to be connected, to be tied, to be linked (intransitive)".