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
関わる
かかわる (kakawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ございます and 関わる.
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, 関わる (かかわる (kakawaru)) maps to "to be involved in; to have to do with; to be concerned with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe involvement in an event, problem, or relationship. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if referring to troublesome involvement.. 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 "関わる"
彼はそのプロジェクトに深く関わっている。
He is deeply involved in that project.
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.". "関わる" represents "to be involved in; to have to do with; to be concerned with".