Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
びっくりする
びっくりする (bikkurisuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
伝わる
つたわる (tsutawaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between びっくりする and 伝わる.
In Japanese, びっくりする (びっくりする (bikkurisuru)) is typically associated with "to be surprised; to be startled" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often used to express sudden surprise or shock. It's an intransitive verb..
On the other hand, 伝わる (つたわる (tsutawaru)) maps to "to be conveyed, to be transmitted, to be understood" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Describes information, feelings, sounds, or messages reaching someone or being correctly understood. The subject is the thing that is conveyed, not the person conveying it.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "びっくりする"
急に大きな音がして、びっくりしました。
I was surprised by the sudden loud noise.
Bilingual Context for "伝わる"
彼の熱い思いがみんなに伝わった。
His passionate feelings were conveyed to everyone.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "急に大きな音がして、びっくりしました。" (Meaning: "I was surprised by the sudden loud noise.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "びっくりする" fits here because it means "to be surprised; to be startled" in the context of: "I was surprised by the sudden loud noise.". "伝わる" represents "to be conveyed, to be transmitted, to be understood".