Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
生まれる
うまれる (umareru)
N4 / 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 生まれる and 感激する.
In Japanese, 生まれる (うまれる (umareru)) is typically associated with "to be born" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb, meaning "to be born." For transitive "to give birth," use 「産む.
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 "生まれる"
私は1990年に日本で生まれました。
I was born in Japan in 1990.
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: "私は1990年に日本で生まれました。" (Meaning: "I was born in Japan in 1990.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "生まれる" fits here because it means "to be born" in the context of: "I was born in Japan in 1990.". "感激する" represents "to be deeply moved, to be impressed, to be touched".