Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
流行する
りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
感激する
かんげきする (kangeki suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 流行する and 感激する.
In Japanese, 流行する (りゅうこうする (ryūkō suru)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 感激する (かんげきする (kangeki suru)) maps to "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A suru verb expressing a strong feeling of emotion, often admiration, gratitude, or joy, upon experiencing something profound or touching.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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).
Bilingual Context for "感激する"
彼のスピーチに多くの人が感激した。
Many people were deeply moved by his speech.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "インフルエンザが流行している。" (Meaning: "Influenza is spreading (is流行っている).")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "流行する" fits here because it means "to be in fashion, to be popular, to spread (an epidemic)" in the context of: "Influenza is spreading (is流行っている).". "感激する" represents "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched".