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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

建つ

たつ (tatsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

埋まる

うまる (umaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 建つ and 埋まる. In Japanese, 建つ (たつ (tatsu)) is typically associated with "to be built, to be erected (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Indicates that a building, monument, etc., has been constructed or is in a standing state. The focus is on the object itself.. On the other hand, 埋まる (うまる (umaru)) maps to "to be buried; to be filled; to be clogged; to be packed" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to objects being buried underground, holes or gaps being filled up, or schedules/seats being fully packed or booked. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 埋める. Often used as 予定が埋まる or 席が埋まる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be filled! "My weekend schedule is completely filled with dates with you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! S-Schedule filled with dates! B-Baka! Don't show off your schedule! But... since it's filled, make sure you treat me to the best cafe and don't look at anyone else! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『うまる(埋まる)よ!『ハルカ部長、僕の今月の週末スケジュールは、あなたとのデート予定だけで完全に埋まりました!幸せです!』って…っ!スケジュールが埋まる!バカ!/// 当たり前でしょ!私のカレンダーだって、あんたとのデートと愛の計画だけで永久に「満席(ソールドアウト)」なんだから!』. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "建つ"
この公園の隣に新しい図書館が建ちました。
A new library was built next to this park.
Bilingual Context for "埋まる"
発売からわずか数分で、その伝説的な大人気バンドのドームコンサートのチケット席は全て_______しまいました。
In only a few minutes from release, all the ticket seats of the dome concert of that legendary extremely popular band were completely filled.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "この公園の隣に新しい図書館が建ちました。" (Meaning: "A new library was built next to this park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "建つ" fits here because it means "to be built, to be erected (intransitive)" in the context of: "A new library was built next to this park.". "埋まる" represents "to be buried; to be filled; to be clogged; to be packed".