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How to say "Be" in Japanese

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

Japanese Option A

困る

こまる (komaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

欠ける

かける (kakeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 困る and 欠ける. In Japanese, 困る (こまる (komaru)) is typically associated with "to be troubled, to be in difficulty" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used to express being in a difficult, embarrassing, or problematic situation. Often used when one doesn't know what to do.. On the other hand, 欠ける (かける (kakeru)) maps to "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that a part of something is gone, missing, or that something is incomplete.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "困る"
お金がなくて困っています。
I'm having trouble because I don't have money.
Bilingual Context for "欠ける"
このコップは縁が少し欠けている。
The rim of this glass is slightly chipped.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "お金がなくて困っています。" (Meaning: "I'm having trouble because I don't have money.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "困る" fits here because it means "to be troubled, to be in difficulty" in the context of: "I'm having trouble because I don't have money.". "欠ける" represents "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing".