Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "遅れる", "安心する", "聞こえる", "見える"
All represent the core concept "be", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
遅れる
おくれる (okureru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
安心する
あんしんする (anshin suru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
聞こえる
きこえる (kikoeru)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
見える
みえる (mieru)
N4 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "be" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "遅れる", "安心する", "聞こえる", "見える" based on context.
- 遅れる (おくれる (okureru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to be late, to be delayed" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when a person or thing is behind schedule or arrives after the set time. Can also describe a delay in progress..
- 安心する (あんしんする (anshin suru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to be relieved, to feel at ease" and is used when する verb. Used to express a feeling of relief or peace of mind after a period of worry or anxiety. Opposite of 心配する.
- 聞こえる (きこえる (kikoeru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to be audible, to be heard" and is used when Intransitive verb. Indicates that a sound reaches one's ears, often unintentionally..
- 見える (みえる (mieru) - Level: N4): Maps to "to be visible, to be seen" and is used when Intransitive verb. Indicates that something comes into one's sight, often unintentionally or by natural conditions..
Context for "遅れる"
電車が10分遅れています。
The train is 10 minutes late.
Context for "安心する"
子供が無事だと聞いて安心しました。
I was relieved to hear that my child was safe.
Context for "聞こえる"
外から音楽が聞こえます。
I can hear music from outside.
Context for "見える"
遠くに山が見えます。
I can see a mountain in the distance.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "電車が10分遅れています。" (Meaning: "The train is 10 minutes late.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "遅れる" is correct here because it represents "to be late, to be delayed" in the context: "The train is 10 minutes late.".