Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
見える
みえる (mieru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
できる
できる (dekiru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 見える and できる.
In Japanese, 見える (みえる (mieru)) is typically associated with "to be visible, to be seen" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that something comes into one's sight, often unintentionally or by natural conditions..
On the other hand, できる (できる (dekiru)) maps to "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An intransitive verb with multiple meanings: 'to be able to. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "見える"
遠くに山が見えます。
I can see a mountain in the distance.
Bilingual Context for "できる"
この家は来月にはできるでしょう。
This house will probably be completed by next month.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "遠くに山が見えます。" (Meaning: "I can see a mountain in the distance.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "見える" fits here because it means "to be visible, to be seen" in the context of: "I can see a mountain in the distance.". "できる" represents "to be able to, to be completed, to be made, to be built (intransitive)".