Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "うつむく (utsumuku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
うつむく
うつむく (utsumuku)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
俯く
うつむく (utsumuku)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "うつむく (utsumuku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- うつむく (Level: N2): Translates to "to look down; to cast one's eyes down" and is used when Often associated with shyness, sadness, shame, or deep thought. Physical action of lowering the head..
- 俯く (Level: N2): Maps to "to look down; to hang one's head" and carries the nuance of To lower one's head or face, often due to shyness, sadness, or shame..
Bilingual Context for "うつむく"
彼女は恥ずかしそうにうつむいた。
She looked down shyly.
Bilingual Context for "俯く"
失敗してしまい、彼は俯いてしまった。
He failed and hung his head in shame.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼女は恥ずかしそうにうつむいた。" (Meaning: "She looked down shyly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "うつむく" is used for "to look down; to cast one's eyes down" in the context: "She looked down shyly.".