Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Come" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "come", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
外れる
はずれる (hazureru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
叶う
かなう (kanau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "come" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 外れる and 叶う.
In Japanese, 外れる (はずれる (hazureru)) is typically associated with "to come off; to be disconnected; to miss (a guess / expectation); to deviate" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to buttons coming off, connections being disconnected, expectations/guesses missing, or deviating from rules. Intransitive verb. Opposing word: 外す. Often used as ボタンが外れる or 予想が外れる. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To miss! "The weather forecast missed and it started raining, but sharing this umbrella with you is the best luck ever, Haruka-san!" ...っ! F-Sharing an umbrella because forecast missed! B-Baka! Don't celebrate the rain! But... since we are sharing, get closer so your shoulder doesn't get wet! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『はずれる(外れる)わよ!『ハルカ部長、週末のデート予定、降水確率80%の雨予報が完全に外れてピカピカの青空になりました!神様に感謝です!』って…っ!天気予報が外れる!バカ!/// 天気が良くなったのは私の普段の行いが良いからよ!…でも、天気が良くてお揃いのスニーカーで公園散歩できるの、実は私もすっごく嬉しいんだから、しっかり手を繋いで歩きなさい!』.
On the other hand, 叶う (かなう (kanau)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "come" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "外れる"
満員電車の激しい揺れの影響を受け、彼のコートの右袖のボタンがいつの間にか_______いました。
Under the influence of the intense shaking of the crowded train, the button of his coat's right sleeve had come off before he knew it.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "満員電車の激しい揺れの影響を受け、彼のコートの右袖のボタンがいつの間にか_______いました。" (Meaning: "Under the influence of the intense shaking of the crowded train, the button of his coat's right sleeve had come off before he knew it.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "外れる" fits here because it means "to come off; to be disconnected; to miss (a guess / expectation); to deviate" in the context of: "Under the influence of the intense shaking of the crowded train, the button of his coat's right sleeve had come off before he knew it.". "叶う" represents "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)".