Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
足りる
たりる (tariru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
延びる
のびる (nobiru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 足りる and 延びる.
In Japanese, 足りる (たりる (tariru)) is typically associated with "to be enough; to be sufficient" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Indicates that a quantity, amount, or ability is adequate for a specific purpose. 必要な量や能力が十分にあることを示します。.
On the other hand, 延びる (のびる (nobiru)) maps to "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Can mean 'to be stretched', 'to be prolonged', or 'to grow longer/taller'.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "足りる"
時間がないから、これで足りるでしょう。
There's no time, so this should be enough.
Bilingual Context for "延びる"
会議の時間が30分延びました。
The meeting time was extended by 30 minutes.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "時間がないから、これで ＿＿＿ でしょう。" (Meaning: "There's no time, so this should be enough.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "足りる" fits here because it means "to be enough; to be sufficient" in the context of: "There's no time, so this should be enough.". "延びる" represents "to be extended; to be postponed; to grow (e.g., hair, height)".