Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Come" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "come", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
来ます
きます (kimasu)
N5 / 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 来ます and 叶う.
In Japanese, 来ます (きます (kimasu)) is typically associated with "to come (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 来る.
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 "来ます"
友達が家に来ます。
My friend comes to my house.
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: "友達が家に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "My friend comes to my house.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "来ます" fits here because it means "to come (polite form)" in the context of: "My friend comes to my house.". "叶う" represents "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)".