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How to say "Be" in Japanese

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

Japanese Option A

埋まる

うまる (umaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

含まれる

ふくまれる (fukumaleru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 埋まる and 含まれる. In Japanese, 埋まる (うまる (umaru)) is typically associated with "to be buried; to be filled; to be clogged; to be packed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to objects being buried underground, holes or gaps being filled up, or schedules/seats being fully packed or booked. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 埋める. Often used as 予定が埋まる or 席が埋まる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be filled! "My weekend schedule is completely filled with dates with you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! S-Schedule filled with dates! B-Baka! Don't show off your schedule! But... since it's filled, make sure you treat me to the best cafe and don't look at anyone else! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『うまる(埋まる)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕の今月の週末スケジュールは、あなたとのデート予定だけで完全に埋まりました!幸せです!』って…っ!スケジュールが埋まる!バカ!/// 当たり前でしょ!私のカレンダーだって、あんたとのデートと愛の計画だけで永久に「満席(ソールドアウト)」なんだから!』. On the other hand, 含まれる (ふくまれる (fukumaleru)) maps to "to be included; to be contained; to consist of" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a component being included in a whole, ingredients contained in food/liquids, or tax included in prices. Passive of 含む. Opposing word: 除外される. Often used as 税金が含まれる or 成分に含まれる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be included! "Every single happy future scenario I imagine naturally includes the ending where I marry you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! The Haruka ending included! B-Baka! Don't sneakily fix your life's multi-ending path with me! But... since I am the only main character of your future, make sure you love only me forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ふくまれる(含まれる)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕の描く幸せな未来の全シナリオには、当然あなたと結ばれるエンドが含まれる(含まれています)!』って…っ!ハルカエンドが含まれる!バカ!/// どさくさに紛れて人生のマルチエンディングを私で固定するんじゃないの!…でも、あんたの未来の唯一の主役は私なんだから、一生私だけを愛し続けなさい!』. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "埋まる"
発売からわずか数分で、その伝説的な大人気バンドのドームコンサートのチケット席は全て_______しまいました。
In only a few minutes from release, all the ticket seats of the dome concert of that legendary extremely popular band were completely filled.
Bilingual Context for "含まれる"
お見積書に記載されている合計金額には、スマートに基本ライセンス料金と初期セットアップ費用が_______ています。
The total amount described in the estimate sheet smartly includes the basic license fee and initial setup cost.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "発売からわずか数分で、その伝説的な大人気バンドのドームコンサートのチケット席は全て_______しまいました。" (Meaning: "In only a few minutes from release, all the ticket seats of the dome concert of that legendary extremely popular band were completely filled.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "埋まる" fits here because it means "to be buried; to be filled; to be clogged; to be packed" in the context of: "In only a few minutes from release, all the ticket seats of the dome concert of that legendary extremely popular band were completely filled.". "含まれる" represents "to be included; to be contained; to consist of".

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