Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "えらい (erai)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
偉い
えらい (erai)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
えらい
えらい (erai)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "えらい (erai)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 偉い (Level: N3): Translates to "great, admirable, important, superior" and is used when Used to describe someone as great, admirable, or of high status. Can also be used ironically depending on context. 「偉いね」は、子供や目下の人を褒める時によく使われます。.
- えらい (Level: N3): Maps to "great, admirable, excellent; high-ranking, important" and carries the nuance of Used to praise someone's achievement, effort, or character. Often used when complimenting children for doing something well. Can also refer to someone in a high position..
Bilingual Context for "偉い"
彼は本当に偉い人です。
He is truly a great person.
Bilingual Context for "えらい"
彼はテストで満点をとって、先生に「えらい！」と褒められた。
He got a perfect score on the test and was praised by the teacher, who said, "Well done!"
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は本当に ＿＿＿ 人です。" (Meaning: "He is truly a great person.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "偉い" is used for "great, admirable, important, superior" in the context: "He is truly a great person.".