Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "叶う", "〜てくる", "綻びる", "かなう"
All represent the core concept "come", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
叶う
かなう (kanau)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
〜てくる
〜てくる (te kuru)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
綻びる
ほころびる (hokorobiru)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
かなう
かなう (kanau)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "come" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "叶う", "〜てくる", "綻びる", "かなう" based on context.
- 叶う (かなう (kanau) - Level: N3): Maps to "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" and is used when Used exclusively for wishes, dreams, hopes, or prayers being realized or fulfilled. It's the opposite of 夢が破れる.
- 〜てくる (〜てくる (te kuru) - Level: N3): Maps to "to come doing; to start doing; to become (up to now)" and is used when Indicates a change or action that progresses from the past up to the present, or an action moving towards the speaker. It suggests a process or continuation that has led to the current state..
- 綻びる (ほころびる (hokorobiru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to come open, to fray, to smile (slightly), to blossom (flowers)" and is used when Often used for seams coming undone, clothes fraying, or flowers beginning to open. Can also describe a slight smile..
- かなう (かなう (kanau) - Level: N2): Maps to "to come true (wish); to be realized (dream); to match; to be equal to" and is used when Primarily means for a wish or dream to be fulfilled.
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.
Context for "〜てくる"
日本に来てから、ずっと日本語を勉強してきました。
Since coming to Japan, I have been studying Japanese continuously.
Context for "綻びる"
セーターの袖口が少し綻びてきた。
The cuff of my sweater has started to fray a bit.
Context for "かなう"
彼の長年の夢がついにかなった。
His long-cherished dream finally came true.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" in the context: "My dream of working overseas finally came true.".