Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
感激する
かんげきする (kangeki suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
関わる
かかわる (kakawaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 感激する and 関わる.
In Japanese, 感激する (かんげきする (kangeki suru)) is typically associated with "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A suru verb expressing a strong feeling of emotion, often admiration, gratitude, or joy, upon experiencing something profound or touching..
On the other hand, 関わる (かかわる (kakawaru)) maps to "to be involved in; to have to do with; to be concerned with" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe involvement in an event, problem, or relationship. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation if referring to troublesome involvement.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "感激する"
彼のスピーチに多くの人が感激した。
Many people were deeply moved by his speech.
Bilingual Context for "関わる"
彼はそのプロジェクトに深く関わっている。
He is deeply involved in that project.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼のスピーチに多くの人が感激した。" (Meaning: "Many people were deeply moved by his speech.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "感激する" fits here because it means "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched" in the context of: "Many people were deeply moved by his speech.". "関わる" represents "to be involved in; to have to do with; to be concerned with".