What is the difference between "出来る" and "焼ける" for "be"?

"出来る" is generally used for "to be able to; can; to be made; to be completed" (N4), while "焼ける" represents "to be baked; to be grilled; to be burned; to be sunburned; to be jealous" (N3).

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

焼ける

やける (yakeru)

N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 出来る and 焼ける. 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, 焼ける (やける (yakeru)) maps to "to be baked; to be grilled; to be burned; to be sunburned; to be jealous" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to food being fully baked/grilled, houses burning down, skin getting sunburned, or abstractly being jealous. 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 "焼ける"

オーブンから香ばしいバターの香りが漂い始め、彼女の手作りの特製アップルパイが見事に_______のを確認しました。

A savory butter aroma began to drift from the oven, and she confirmed that her handmade special apple pie was excellently baked.

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.". "焼ける" represents "to be baked; to be grilled; to be burned; to be sunburned; to be jealous".