Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
付く
つく (tsuku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
基づく
もとづく (motozuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 付く and 基づく.
In Japanese, 付く (つく (tsuku)) is typically associated with "to be attached, to stick, to be stained, to be turned on" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This is an intransitive verb with multiple meanings. Common N4 uses include 'to stick/be attached'.
On the other hand, 基づく (もとづく (motozuku)) maps to "to be based on, to be founded on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents ある事実や規則、理念などを「根拠とする」ことを意味します。通常、「～に基づいて」の形で使われます。/ Means to 'be based on' facts, rules, or principles. Usually used in the form "～に基づいて. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "付く"
壁にきれいな絵が付いています。
A beautiful picture is attached to the wall.
Bilingual Context for "基づく"
この計画は、最新のデータに基づいて作成されました。
This plan was created based on the latest data.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "壁にきれいな絵が付いています。" (Meaning: "A beautiful picture is attached to the wall.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "付く" fits here because it means "to be attached, to stick, to be stained, to be turned on" in the context of: "A beautiful picture is attached to the wall.". "基づく" represents "to be based on, to be founded on".