Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
担当する
たんとうする (tantō 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 担当する and 関わる.
In Japanese, 担当する (たんとうする (tantō suru)) is typically associated with "to be in charge of; to take responsibility for; to be responsible for" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used in business or formal settings to indicate being responsible for a specific role, task, or department. It implies taking on a duty or charge..
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 "担当する"
私はこのプロジェクトの管理を担当しています。
I am in charge of managing this project.
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: "私はこのプロジェクトの管理を担当しています。" (Meaning: "I am in charge of managing this project.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "担当する" fits here because it means "to be in charge of; to take responsibility for; to be responsible for" in the context of: "I am in charge of managing this project.". "関わる" represents "to be involved in; to have to do with; to be concerned with".