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
足りる
たりる (tariru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 付く and 足りる.
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, 足りる (たりる (tariru)) maps to "to be enough; to be sufficient" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that a quantity, amount, or ability is adequate for a specific purpose. 必要な量や能力が十分にあることを示します。. 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 "足りる"
時間がないから、これで足りるでしょう。
There's no time, so this should be enough.
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.". "足りる" represents "to be enough; to be sufficient".