What is the difference between "打つ" and "撃つ"?

"打つ" means "to hit, to strike, to type, to shoot (a photo)" (N4), whereas "撃つ" represents "to shoot; to strike" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "うつ (utsu)"

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

Kanji Option A

うつ (utsu)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

うつ (utsu)

N3 / CEFR

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

打つ (Level: N4): Translates to "to hit, to strike, to type, to shoot (a photo)" and is used when A versatile verb with many uses. Can mean to hit something physically, to type on a keyboard, to take a photo, to hit a ball, to inject.
撃つ (Level: N3): Maps to "to shoot; to strike" and carries the nuance of Verb. Used for shooting a projectile.

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

Bilingual Context for "打つ"

彼はボールを強く打った。

He hit the ball hard.

Bilingual Context for "撃つ"

彼は弓で的を撃った。

He shot the target with a bow.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼はボールを強く打った。" (Meaning: "He hit the ball hard.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "打つ" is used for "to hit, to strike, to type, to shoot (a photo)" in the context: "He hit the ball hard.".