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
流行する
りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 延びる and 流行する.
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, 流行する (りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)) maps to "to be in fashion, to be popular, to spread (an epidemic)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The verb form of 流行. Describes the action or state of becoming popular or widespread. Can refer to trends or diseases.. 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 "流行する"
インフルエンザが流行している。
Influenza is spreading (is流行っている).
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.". "流行する" represents "to be in fashion, to be popular, to spread (an epidemic)".