Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "おどろく (odoroku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
驚く
おどろく (odoroku)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
おどろく
おどろく (odoroku)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おどろく (odoroku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 驚く (Level: N4): Translates to "to be surprised; to be astonished" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when something unexpected happens, causing a feeling of surprise or shock..
- おどろく (Level: N3): Maps to "to be surprised; to be astonished" and carries the nuance of Expresses a sudden feeling of surprise or shock. Often followed by the particle 「に」 when indicating the cause of surprise..
Bilingual Context for "驚く"
ニュースを聞いて、みんな驚いた。
Everyone was surprised to hear the news.
Bilingual Context for "おどろく"
彼の突然の訪問に、とても驚いた。
I was very surprised by his sudden visit.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "ニュースを聞いて、みんな驚いた。" (Meaning: "Everyone was surprised to hear the news.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "驚く" is used for "to be surprised; to be astonished" in the context: "Everyone was surprised to hear the news.".