What is the difference between "出来る" and "売れる" for "be"?

"出来る" is generally used for "to be able to; can; to be made; to be completed" (N4), while "売れる" represents "to be sold; to sell well; to be in demand" (N4).

Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Be" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

出来る

できる (dekiru)

N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Japanese Option B

売れる

うれる (ureru)

N4 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出来る and 売れる. In Japanese, 出来る (できる (dekiru)) is typically associated with "to be able to; can; to be made; to be completed" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents This versatile verb expresses ability. On the other hand, 売れる (うれる (ureru)) maps to "to be sold; to sell well; to be in demand" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!

Bilingual Context for "出来る"

私は日本語ができます。

I can speak Japanese.

Bilingual Context for "売れる"

この新しいスマートフォンは、とてもよく売れています。

This new smartphone is selling very well.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "私は日本語ができます。" (Meaning: "I can speak Japanese.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "出来る" fits here because it means "to be able to; can; to be made; to be completed" in the context of: "I can speak Japanese.". "売れる" represents "to be sold; to sell well; to be in demand".