How to say "Be" in Japanese

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 詰まる and 混じる. In Japanese, 詰まる (つまる (tsumaru)) is typically associated with "to be blocked; to be stuffed; to be packed; to be choked; to shorten" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to pipes/noses being blocked, schedules/seats being fully packed, or breath being choked due to tension. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 詰める. Often used as 鼻が詰まる or 予定が詰まる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be choked! "Whenever you look at me with those beautiful upward glances, Haruka-san, my breath gets choked with tension!" ...っ! B-Breath choked with tension! B-Baka! Don't make such dramatic cardiac observations! But... since I choked your breath, hold my hand and let's breathe together in peace! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『つまる（詰まる）よ！『ハルカ部長、お揃いの結婚指輪を目の前でスッと差し出された瞬間、あまりの嬉しさと緊張で息が詰まりそうになりました！』って…っ！指輪の緊張で息が詰まる！バカ！/// プロポーズの衝撃波！…でも、息が詰まるくらい私を好きでいてくれること、一生の誇りにして、私の薬指をずっとロックしていなさい！』. On the other hand, 混じる (まじる (majiru)) maps to "to be mixed; to blend with; to associate with; to mingle" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to distinct elements or materials being mixed or blended into a whole while remaining somewhat distinguishable. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 混ぜる. Often used as 異物が混じる or 歓声に悲鳴が混じる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To be mixed! "Your stern commands are always mixed with a sweet, caring warmth, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Commands mixed with warmth! B-Baka! Don't analyze my professional speech tone! But... since you felt my care, you better listen to my commands and stay stuck to my side forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『まじる（混じる）よ！『ハルカ部長の、凛としたお説教の声の中に、僕を本気で心配してくれている「甘いデレの周波数」が混じっているのを、僕は聞き逃しません！』って…っ！お説教にデレが混じる！バカ！/// 人の声紋分析をするんじゃないの！…でも、その混じり合っている私の本音、一生私だけの隣で独占して解読し続けなさい！』. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!