Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "いやしい (iyashii)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
いやしい
いやしい (iyashii)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
卑しい
いやしい (iyashii)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "いやしい (iyashii)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- いやしい (Level: N2): Translates to "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby" and is used when 人柄、態度、見た目などが品がなく、貪欲さや卑しさを感じさせる場合に使う。否定的な意味合いが強い。/ Used to describe someone's character, behavior, or appearance as lacking refinement, suggesting greed, meanness, or vulgarity. It has a strong negative connotation..
- 卑しい (Level: N2): Maps to "greedy, vulgar, base, ignoble" and carries the nuance of Describes behavior, desires, or character that is considered low, mean, or excessively greedy. Can also refer to a humble social status..
Bilingual Context for "いやしい"
彼はいつもいやしい目で食べ物を見ている。
He always looks at food with greedy eyes.
Bilingual Context for "卑しい"
彼は卑しい金銭欲に取り憑かれている。
He is possessed by a base greed for money.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ 目で食べ物を見ている。" (Meaning: "He always looks at food with greedy eyes.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "いやしい" is used for "greedy; vulgar; base; shabby" in the context: "He always looks at food with greedy eyes.".