Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
安心する
あんしんする (anshin suru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
感激する
かんげきする (kangeki suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 安心する and 感激する.
In Japanese, 安心する (あんしんする (anshin suru)) is typically associated with "to be relieved, to feel at ease" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents する verb. Used to express a feeling of relief or peace of mind after a period of worry or anxiety. Opposite of 心配する.
On the other hand, 感激する (かんげきする (kangeki suru)) maps to "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A suru verb expressing a strong feeling of emotion, often admiration, gratitude, or joy, upon experiencing something profound or touching.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "安心する"
子供が無事だと聞いて安心しました。
I was relieved to hear that my child was safe.
Bilingual Context for "感激する"
彼のスピーチに多くの人が感激した。
Many people were deeply moved by his speech.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "子供が無事だと聞いて安心しました。" (Meaning: "I was relieved to hear that my child was safe.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "安心する" fits here because it means "to be relieved, to feel at ease" in the context of: "I was relieved to hear that my child was safe.". "感激する" represents "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched".