What is the difference between "送る" and "おくる"?

"送る" means "to send (a thing); to see off (a person)" (N5), whereas "おくる" represents "to send, to see off" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おくる (okuru)"

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

Kanji Option A

おくる (okuru)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おくる (okuru)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おくる (okuru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

送る (Level: N5): Translates to "to send (a thing); to see off (a person)" and is used when Transitive verb. Can be used for sending objects.
おくる (Level: N5): Maps to "to send, to see off" and carries the nuance of Can mean 'to send.

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

Bilingual Context for "送る"

友達を駅まで送ります。

I will see my friend off at the station.

Bilingual Context for "おくる"

友達に手紙を送りました。

I sent a letter to my friend.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "友達を駅まで送ります。" (Meaning: "I will see my friend off at the station.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "送る" is used for "to send (a thing); to see off (a person)" in the context: "I will see my friend off at the station.".