What is the difference between "お陰" and "おかげ"?

"お陰" means "thanks to; because of (positive connotation)" (N3), whereas "おかげ" represents "thanks to, owing to" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おかげ (okage)"

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

Kanji Option A

おかげ (okage)

N3 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おかげ (okage)

N3 / CEFR

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

お陰 (Level: N3): Translates to "thanks to; because of (positive connotation)" and is used when Expresses gratitude or acknowledges a positive outcome resulting from someone's help, support, or a favorable circumstance. Can be used sarcastically in negative contexts, but usually positive..
おかげ (Level: N3): Maps to "thanks to, owing to" and carries the nuance of Expresses gratitude or credits someone/something for a positive outcome. Can also be used ironically for a negative outcome.

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

Bilingual Context for "お陰"

先生のお陰で、試験に合格できました。

Thanks to the teacher, I was able to pass the exam.

Bilingual Context for "おかげ"

先生のおかげで試験に合格できました。

Thanks to my teacher, I was able to pass the exam.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "先生の＿＿＿で、試験に合格できました。" (Meaning: "Thanks to the teacher, I was able to pass the exam.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "お陰" is used for "thanks to; because of (positive connotation)" in the context: "Thanks to the teacher, I was able to pass the exam.".