Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "おく (oku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
置く
おく (oku)
N5 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
奥
おく (oku)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おく (oku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 置く (Level: N5): Translates to "to put, to place" and is used when 物をある場所に静かに置くときに使います。Polite form is 置きます.
- 奥 (Level: N3): Maps to "interior, inner part, back (of a room/house), deep inside" and carries the nuance of Refers to the innermost or furthest part of a space, often implying a less accessible or more private area..
Bilingual Context for "置く"
テーブルの上に本を置きます。
I put the book on the table.
Bilingual Context for "奥"
店の奥に隠れたカフェがある。
There is a hidden cafe in the back of the store.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "テーブルの上に本を置きます。" (Meaning: "I put the book on the table.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "置く" is used for "to put, to place" in the context: "I put the book on the table.".