Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遅れます
おくれます (okuremasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
担当する
たんとうする (tantō suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遅れます and 担当する.
In Japanese, 遅れます (おくれます (okuremasu)) is typically associated with "to be late, to be delayed" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Verb, polite form. Used when arriving after the scheduled time or when something is behind schedule. Often used with に. The dictionary form is 遅れる.
On the other hand, 担当する (たんとうする (tantō suru)) maps to "to be in charge of; to take responsibility for; to be responsible for" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used in business or formal settings to indicate being responsible for a specific role, task, or department. It implies taking on a duty or charge.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遅れます"
電車が遅れて、会社に遅れました。
The train was delayed, so I was late for work.
Bilingual Context for "担当する"
私はこのプロジェクトの管理を担当しています。
I am in charge of managing this project.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車が遅れて、会社に遅れました。" (Meaning: "The train was delayed, so I was late for work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遅れます" fits here because it means "to be late, to be delayed" in the context of: "The train was delayed, so I was late for work.". "担当する" represents "to be in charge of; to take responsibility for; to be responsible for".