Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
治る
なおる (naoru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ございます
ございます (gozaimasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 治る and ございます.
In Japanese, 治る (なおる (naoru)) is typically associated with "to be cured, to get well (intransitive) / to be repaired, to be fixed (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for illnesses getting better.
On the other hand, ございます (ございます (gozaimasu)) maps to "to be, to have (polite form of あります/です)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 非常に丁寧な表現で、あります・ですの丁寧語です。店員などが客に対して使うことが多いです。A very polite expression, polite form of 'arimasu'/'desu'. Often used by store clerks to customers.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "治る"
風邪が治りました。
My cold got better.
Bilingual Context for "ございます"
お待たせいたしました。ご注文のお品でございます。
Thank you for waiting. This is your order.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "風邪が治りました。" (Meaning: "My cold got better.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "治る" fits here because it means "to be cured, to get well (intransitive) / to be repaired, to be fixed (intransitive)" in the context of: "My cold got better.". "ございます" represents "to be, to have (polite form of あります/です)".