Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Become" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "become", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
げっそり
げっそり (gessori)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
増長
ぞうちょう (zōchō)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "become" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between げっそり and 増長.
In Japanese, げっそり (げっそり (gessori)) is typically associated with "become thin, lose a lot of weight (from worry/illness); feel disappointed/discouraged" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a sudden and significant loss of weight due to illness, worry, or shock, resulting in an emaciated appearance. Can also describe a feeling of deep disappointment..
On the other hand, 増長 (ぞうちょう (zōchō)) maps to "To become conceited/arrogant; to get out of hand; to become audacious" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes someone becoming excessively proud or arrogant due to success or lack of challenge, leading to disrespectful or audacious behavior. Usually carries a negative connotation.. A literal translation of "become" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "げっそり"
彼は病気でげっそり痩せてしまった。
He became terribly thin from illness.
Bilingual Context for "増長"
彼は少し成功しただけで増長してしまい、周囲の反感を買った。
He became arrogant after a small success, incurring resentment from those around him.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は病気で ＿＿＿ 痩せてしまった。" (Meaning: "He became terribly thin from illness.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "げっそり" fits here because it means "become thin, lose a lot of weight (from worry/illness); feel disappointed/discouraged" in the context of: "He became terribly thin from illness.". "増長" represents "To become conceited/arrogant; to get out of hand; to become audacious".