Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Come" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "come", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
叶う
かなう (kanau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
思い当たる
おもいあたる (omoiataru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "come" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 叶う and 思い当たる.
In Japanese, 叶う (かなう (kanau)) is typically associated with "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used exclusively for wishes, dreams, hopes, or prayers being realized or fulfilled. It's the opposite of 夢が破れる.
On the other hand, 思い当たる (おもいあたる (omoiataru)) maps to "to come to mind; to occur to one; to strike upon (an idea, reason, etc.); to remember suddenly" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents This verb is used when an idea, a reason, a solution, or a memory suddenly comes to one's mind. It implies a moment of realization or recollection. Often used in the past tense to describe that moment.. A literal translation of "come" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "叶う"
いつか海外で働くという夢が叶いました。
My dream of working overseas finally came true.
Bilingual Context for "思い当たる"
忘れ物の場所が分からず困っていたが、ふと机の上にあることに思い当たった。
I was troubled not knowing where I left my forgotten item, but then it suddenly dawned on me that it was on the desk.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "いつか海外で働くという夢が叶いました。" (Meaning: "My dream of working overseas finally came true.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "叶う" fits here because it means "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" in the context of: "My dream of working overseas finally came true.". "思い当たる" represents "to come to mind; to occur to one; to strike upon (an idea, reason, etc.); to remember suddenly".