Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ございます
ございます (gozaimasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
共通する
きょうつうする (kyōtsūsuru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ございます and 共通する.
In Japanese, ございます (ございます (gozaimasu)) is typically associated with "to be, to have (polite form of あります/です)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 非常に丁寧な表現で、あります・ですの丁寧語です。店員などが客に対して使うことが多いです。A very polite expression, polite form of 'arimasu'/'desu'. Often used by store clerks to customers..
On the other hand, 共通する (きょうつうする (kyōtsūsuru)) maps to "to be common; to share (something)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when two or more people or things possess or share the same characteristic, interest, or quality. Can be used as a verb. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ございます"
お待たせいたしました。ご注文のお品でございます。
Thank you for waiting. This is your order.
Bilingual Context for "共通する"
私たちには共通の趣味がある。
We have a common hobby.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お待たせいたしました。ご注文のお品で ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Thank you for waiting. This is your order.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ございます" fits here because it means "to be, to have (polite form of あります/です)" in the context of: "Thank you for waiting. This is your order.". "共通する" represents "to be common; to share (something)".