Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感動する
かんどうする (kandōsuru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おる
おる (oru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感動する and おる.
In Japanese, 感動する (かんどうする (kandōsuru)) is typically associated with "to be moved, to be impressed, to be touched" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Expresses being deeply moved emotionally by something beautiful, powerful, or touching. Often takes 「に.
On the other hand, おる (おる (oru)) maps to "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 「いる」の謙譲語で、自分や身内の動作や状態を表す時に使います。目上の人に対してへりくだった表現をする際に用います。Humble form of 'iru', used to refer to one's own or one's family's actions or state. Used when speaking humbly to superiors.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感動する"
その映画を見て、とても感動しました。
I was very moved by that movie.
Bilingual Context for "おる"
私は今、東京におります。
I am in Tokyo now.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "その映画を見て、とても感動しました。" (Meaning: "I was very moved by that movie.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感動する" fits here because it means "to be moved, to be impressed, to be touched" in the context of: "I was very moved by that movie.". "おる" represents "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)".