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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Be" in Japanese

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

Japanese Option A

売れる

うれる (ureru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

思い込む

おもいこむ (omoikomu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 売れる and 思い込む. In Japanese, 売れる (うれる (ureru)) is typically associated with "to be sold; to sell well; to be in demand" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. On the other hand, 思い込む (おもいこむ (omoikomu)) maps to "to be under the impression that, to be convinced that, to be deluded into thinking" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To firmly believe something, often mistakenly, or to become deeply convinced of a belief. It implies a strong, sometimes incorrect, conviction.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "思い込む"
彼は自分が天才だと思い込んでいる。
He is convinced that he is a genius.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "この新しいスマートフォンは、とてもよく売れています。" (Meaning: "This new smartphone is selling very well.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "売れる" fits here because it means "to be sold; to sell well; to be in demand" in the context of: "This new smartphone is selling very well.". "思い込む" represents "to be under the impression that, to be convinced that, to be deluded into thinking".