Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Be" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "be", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
遅れる
おくれる (okureru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
喜ぶ
よろこぶ (yorokobu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遅れる and 喜ぶ.
In Japanese, 遅れる (おくれる (okureru)) is typically associated with "to be late, to be delayed" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used when a person or thing is behind schedule or arrives after the set time. Can also describe a delay in progress..
On the other hand, 喜ぶ (よろこぶ (yorokobu)) maps to "to be delighted, to be pleased, to rejoice" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Expresses joy or happiness. Often used when receiving something good, hearing good news, or when something positive happens.. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "遅れる"
電車が10分遅れています。
The train is 10 minutes late.
Bilingual Context for "喜ぶ"
プレゼントをもらって、彼はとても喜んだ。
He was very happy to receive the present.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車が10分遅れています。" (Meaning: "The train is 10 minutes late.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遅れる" fits here because it means "to be late, to be delayed" in the context of: "The train is 10 minutes late.". "喜ぶ" represents "to be delighted, to be pleased, to rejoice".