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
役立つ
やくだつ (yakudatsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 足りる and 役立つ.
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, 役立つ (やくだつ (yakudatsu)) maps to "to be useful, to be helpful" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents An intransitive verb. Used to describe something that serves a purpose or provides assistance. Often followed by に.. 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 "役立つ"
このアプリは毎日の仕事にとても役立ちます。
This app is very useful for daily work.
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.". "役立つ" represents "to be useful, to be helpful".