What is the difference between "椅子" and "いす"?

"椅子" means "chair" (N5), whereas "いす" represents "chair" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "いす (isu)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

いす (isu)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

いす (isu)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "いす (isu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

椅子 (Level: N5): Translates to "chair" and is used when 座るための家具です。「椅子に座る」という形でよく使われます。/ Furniture for sitting. Often used in the form '椅子に座る'.
いす (Level: N5): Maps to "chair" and carries the nuance of A common noun for a chair, typically used for sitting. Often found in homes, schools, and offices..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "椅子"

椅子に座って本を読みます。

I sit on a chair and read a book.

Bilingual Context for "いす"

この部屋にいすがあります。

There is a chair in this room.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿に座って本を読みます。" (Meaning: "I sit on a chair and read a book.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "椅子" is used for "chair" in the context: "I sit on a chair and read a book.".