Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
決まる
きまる (kimaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おる
おる (oru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 決まる and おる.
In Japanese, 決まる (きまる (kimaru)) is typically associated with "to be decided, to be fixed (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Indicates that a decision has been made or something has been settled, often by itself or by someone else, but the focus is on the state of being decided..
On the other hand, おる (おる (oru)) maps to "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 「いる」の謙譲語で、自分や身内の動作や状態を表す時に使います。目上の人に対してへりくだった表現をする際に用います。Humble form of 'iru', used to refer to one's own or one's family's actions or state. Used when speaking humbly to superiors.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "決まる"
来月の旅行の日程が決まりました。
The itinerary for next month's trip has been decided.
Bilingual Context for "おる"
私は今、東京におります。
I am in Tokyo now.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "来月の旅行の日程が決まりました。" (Meaning: "The itinerary for next month's trip has been decided.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "決まる" fits here because it means "to be decided, to be fixed (intransitive)" in the context of: "The itinerary for next month's trip has been decided.". "おる" represents "to be, to exist (humble form of いる)".