Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
できる
できる (dekiru)
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 できる and 役立つ.
In Japanese, できる (できる (dekiru)) is typically associated with "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb with multiple meanings: 'to be able to.
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 "できる"
この家は来月にはできるでしょう。
This house will probably be completed by next month.
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: "この家は来月には ＿＿＿ でしょう。" (Meaning: "This house will probably be completed by next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "できる" fits here because it means "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)" in the context of: "This house will probably be completed by next month.". "役立つ" represents "to be useful, to be helpful".