How to say "Be" in Japanese

When translating "be" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 遅れる and 案じる. 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, 案じる (あんじる (anjiru)) maps to "to be anxious, to worry about, to be concerned about" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for deeper, more significant worries, or when considering a plan carefully. 辞書形は「案じる」ですが、通常「〜を案じている」や「〜を案じること」のように使われます。. A literal translation of "be" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!