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
流行する
りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 欠ける and 流行する.
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, 流行する (りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)) maps to "to be in fashion, to be popular, to spread (an epidemic)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The verb form of 流行. Describes the action or state of becoming popular or widespread. Can refer to trends or diseases.. 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 "流行する"
インフルエンザが流行している。
Influenza is spreading (is流行っている).
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.". "流行する" represents "to be in fashion, to be popular, to spread (an epidemic)".