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
VS
Japanese Option B
我慢する
がまんする (gamansuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出来る and 我慢する.
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, 我慢する (がまんする (gamansuru)) maps to "to be patient; to endure; to put up with; to tolerate; to suppress" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when one has to endure or tolerate something difficult, painful, or annoying, or to suppress a desire/feeling. It implies a conscious effort to bear something unpleasant.. 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 "我慢する"
痛かったけど、最後まで我慢しました。
It hurt, but I endured it until the end.
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.". "我慢する" represents "to be patient; to endure; to put up with; to tolerate; to suppress".