Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
伝わる
つたわる (tsutawaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
延びる
のびる (nobiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 伝わる and 延びる.
In Japanese, 伝わる (つたわる (tsutawaru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 延びる (のびる (nobiru)) maps to "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Can mean 'to be stretched', 'to be prolonged', or 'to grow longer/taller'.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "延びる"
会議の時間が30分延びました。
The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の熱い思いがみんなに伝わった。" (Meaning: "His passionate feelings were conveyed to everyone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "伝わる" fits here because it means "to be conveyed, to be transmitted, to be understood" in the context of: "His passionate feelings were conveyed to everyone.". "延びる" represents "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)".