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
驚く
おどろく (odoroku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遅れます and 驚く.
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, 驚く (おどろく (odoroku)) maps to "to be surprised; to be astonished" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when something unexpected happens, causing a feeling of surprise or shock.. 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 "驚く"
ニュースを聞いて、みんな驚いた。
Everyone was surprised to hear the news.
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.". "驚く" represents "to be surprised; to be astonished".