What is the difference between "お釣り" and "おつり"?

"お釣り" means "change (money)" (N4), whereas "おつり" represents "change (money)" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "おつり (otsuri)"

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

Kanji Option A

おつり (otsuri)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

おつり (otsuri)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おつり (otsuri)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

お釣り (Level: N4): Translates to "change (money)" and is used when The money you receive back after paying more than the exact amount. It is polite to say 「お釣りです」 when giving it to someone..
おつり (Level: N3): Maps to "change (money)" and carries the nuance of Money returned after a purchase when you pay more than the exact amount..

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

Bilingual Context for "お釣り"

レジで1000円を渡したら、お釣りが来ました。

When I handed over 1000 yen at the register, I received change.

Bilingual Context for "おつり"

1000円札を出したら、300円のおつりをもらった。

When I paid with a 1000 yen bill, I received 300 yen in change.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "レジで1000円を渡したら、＿＿＿が来ました。" (Meaning: "When I handed over 1000 yen at the register, I received change.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "お釣り" is used for "change (money)" in the context: "When I handed over 1000 yen at the register, I received change.".