Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
傷つく
きずつく (kizutsuku)
N3 / 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 傷つく and 延びる.
In Japanese, 傷つく (きずつく (kizutsuku)) is typically associated with "to be hurt (emotionally/physically); to get damaged/scratched (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when the subject experiences damage or hurt, often emotionally but can also be physical.
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 "傷つく"
彼の心ない言葉に深く傷ついた。
I was deeply hurt by his thoughtless words.
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: "彼の心ない言葉に深く傷ついた。" (Meaning: "I was deeply hurt by his thoughtless words.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "傷つく" fits here because it means "to be hurt (emotionally/physically); to get damaged/scratched (intransitive)" in the context of: "I was deeply hurt by his thoughtless words.". "延びる" represents "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)".