Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "うつす (utsusu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
写す
うつす (utsusu)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
移す
うつす (utsusu)
N4 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "うつす (utsusu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 写す (Level: N4): Translates to "to copy, to transcribe, to photograph, to project" and is used when Transitive verb. Refers to making a copy of something, either physically.
- 移す (Level: N4): Maps to "to move (something); to transfer; to infect" and carries the nuance of This is a transitive verb. It means to physically move an object, to transfer something.
Bilingual Context for "写す"
黒板の文字をノートに写す。
Copy the letters from the blackboard into your notebook.
Bilingual Context for "移す"
机を窓の近くに移しました。
I moved the desk near the window.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "黒板の文字をノートに ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "Copy the letters from the blackboard into your notebook.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "写す" is used for "to copy, to transcribe, to photograph, to project" in the context: "Copy the letters from the blackboard into your notebook.".