Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Go" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "go", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
行きます
いきます (ikimasu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
上がる
あがる (agaru)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "go" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 行きます and 上がる.
In Japanese, 行きます (いきます (ikimasu)) is typically associated with "to go (polite form)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Polite form of 行く.
On the other hand, 上がる (あがる (agaru)) maps to "to go up, to rise, to be raised" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 自動詞. A literal translation of "go" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "行きます"
学校へ行きます。
I go to school.
Bilingual Context for "上がる"
エレベーターで上の階に上がります。
I go up to the upper floor by elevator.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "学校へ ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I go to school.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "行きます" fits here because it means "to go (polite form)" in the context of: "I go to school.". "上がる" represents "to go up, to rise, to be raised".