Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
延びる
のびる (nobiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
基づく
もとづく (motozuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 延びる and 基づく.
In Japanese, 延びる (のびる (nobiru)) is typically associated with "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Can mean 'to be stretched', 'to be prolonged', or 'to grow longer/taller'..
On the other hand, 基づく (もとづく (motozuku)) maps to "to be based on, to be founded on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents ある事実や規則、理念などを「根拠とする」ことを意味します。通常、「～に基づいて」の形で使われます。/ Means to 'be based on' facts, rules, or principles. Usually used in the form "～に基づいて. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "延びる"
会議の時間が30分延びました。
The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.
Bilingual Context for "基づく"
この計画は、最新のデータに基づいて作成されました。
This plan was created based on the latest data.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の時間が30分延びました。" (Meaning: "The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "延びる" fits here because it means "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)" in the context of: "The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.". "基づく" represents "to be based on, to be founded on".