…になる
… ni naru
The Japanese verb 'to become' is expressed as …になる (… ni naru). Wiktionary also lists …となる (… to naru).
Meaning: to begin to be (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| …になる | … ni naru |
| …となる | … to naru |
Which one should you use?
…になる is the standard, everyday way to say 'become', whereas …となる is more formal or used in written, literary contexts. …となる often implies a more significant, decisive or formal change or result compared to the more natural …になる.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using a noun with this verb, you must insert the particle に between the noun and the verb (noun + になる). For な-adjectives, you treat them like nouns by adding に before the verb (na-adjective + になる). For い-adjectives, you must change the final い to く before adding the verb, resulting in the form …くなる.
How do you pronounce it?
… ni naru
Did you know?
- While なる means 'to become', the word 成る (written with a different kanji) specifically refers to something being completed or formed, as in 'the plan has come together'.
- The verb なる can be used to describe a natural change in state, such as 'it became spring' or 'it became three o'clock'. In these cases, the change is viewed as an inevitable progression of time rather than an active transformation.
- In highly formal or archaic Japanese, となる was used to signify a destination or a final result of a long process, making it sound more like 'reaching a conclusion' than a simple change.
Examples in context
- 私は医者になります。I will become a doctor.
- 祖父は来年で７０歳になります。My grandfather will turn 70 next year.
- 魚がおいしいと思ったら、料理人になりたいと思いました。When I thought fish was delicious, I wanted to become a chef.
- 彼は将来有名な作家になるでしょう。He will probably become a famous writer in the future.
- お腹が空いたから、つい食べてしまって、太っちゃった。Because I was hungry, I unintentionally ate too much and gained weight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “become” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
