Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
捕まる
つかまる (tsukamaru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
基づく
もとづく (motozuku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 捕まる and 基づく.
In Japanese, 捕まる (つかまる (tsukamaru)) is typically associated with "to be caught; to be arrested; to be captured; to hold on to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to being caught by someone, arrested by the police, or captured. Also means holding onto a rail or support. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 捕まえる. Often used as 警察に捕まる or 手すりに捕まる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be caught! "I am happily caught in your sweet love net, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Caught in my love net! B-Baka! Don't compare my love to a net! But... since you are caught, I will never let you escape from my arms, so stay locked right there! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『つかまる（捕まる）よ！『ハルカ部長の仕掛けた、甘いヤキモチの愛の包囲網に完全に捕まってしまいました！もう一生逃げられません！』って…っ！愛の包囲網に捕まる！バカ！/// 逃げる気なんて最初からゼロのくせに！…捕まえたからには、一生私の腕の中から釈放（解放）してあげないから、覚悟しなさい！』.
On the other hand, 基づく (もとづく (motozuku)) maps to "to be based on, to be founded on" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents ある事実や規則、理念などを「根拠とする」ことを意味します。通常、「～に基づいて」の形で使われます。/ Means to 'be based on' facts, rules, or principles. Usually used in the form "～に基づいて. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "捕まる"
スピード違反の車は、高速道路の出口の手前で待ち構えていたパトカーに_______しまいました。
The speeding car was caught by the police car waiting just before the highway exit.
Bilingual Context for "基づく"
この計画は、最新のデータに基づいて作成されました。
This plan was created based on the latest data.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "スピード違反の車は、高速道路の出口の手前で待ち構えていたパトカーに_______しまいました。" (Meaning: "The speeding car was caught by the police car waiting just before the highway exit.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "捕まる" fits here because it means "to be caught; to be arrested; to be captured; to hold on to" in the context of: "The speeding car was caught by the police car waiting just before the highway exit.". "基づく" represents "to be based on, to be founded on".