Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
欠ける
かける (kakeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
延びる
のびる (nobiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 欠ける and 延びる.
In Japanese, 欠ける (かける (kakeru)) is typically associated with "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that a part of something is gone, missing, or that something is incomplete..
On the other hand, 延びる (のびる (nobiru)) maps to "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Can mean 'to be stretched', 'to be prolonged', or 'to grow longer/taller'.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "欠ける"
このコップは縁が少し欠けている。
The rim of this glass is slightly chipped.
Bilingual Context for "延びる"
会議の時間が30分延びました。
The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このコップは縁が少し欠けている。" (Meaning: "The rim of this glass is slightly chipped.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "欠ける" fits here because it means "to be chipped, to be broken, to lack, to be missing" in the context of: "The rim of this glass is slightly chipped.". "延びる" represents "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)".