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
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 延びる and 思い込む.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "思い込む" represents "to be under the impression that, to be convinced that, to be deluded into thinking".