Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "あく (aku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
開く
あく (aku)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
空く
あく (aku)
N4 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "あく (aku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 開く (Level: N4): Translates to "to open (intransitive)" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something opens on its own or is opened by an unspecified agent.
- 空く (Level: N4): Maps to "to open, to be vacant, to be available, to become empty" and carries the nuance of An intransitive verb. Refers to something becoming empty, available, or a space opening up. For example, 席が空く.
Bilingual Context for "開く"
ドアが自動的に開きます。
The door opens automatically.
Bilingual Context for "空く"
会議室が空いていますか。
Is the meeting room available?
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "ドアが自動的に開きます。" (Meaning: "The door opens automatically.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "開く" is used for "to open (intransitive)" in the context: "The door opens automatically.".