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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

担当する

たんとうする (tantō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 決まる and 担当する. 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, 担当する (たんとうする (tantō suru)) maps to "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.. 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 "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.

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.". "担当する" represents "to be in charge of; to take responsibility for; to be responsible for".