Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おる
おる (oru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
失望する
しつぼうする (shitsubō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おる and 失望する.
In Japanese, おる (おる (oru)) is typically associated with "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 「いる」の謙譲語で、自分や身内の動作や状態を表す時に使います。目上の人に対してへりくだった表現をする際に用います。Humble form of 'iru', used to refer to one's own or one's family's actions or state. Used when speaking humbly to superiors..
On the other hand, 失望する (しつぼうする (shitsubō suru)) maps to "to be disappointed; to lose hope" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 「失望する」は、期待していたことが叶わず、がっかりする気持ちを表します。人や結果に対して使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おる"
私は今、東京におります。
I am in Tokyo now.
Bilingual Context for "失望する"
彼の裏切りにとても失望した。
I was very disappointed by his betrayal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は今、東京におります。" (Meaning: "I am in Tokyo now.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おる" fits here because it means "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)" in the context of: "I am in Tokyo now.". "失望する" represents "to be disappointed; to lose hope".