Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "おびただしい (obitadashii)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
おびただしい
おびただしい (obitadashii)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
夥しい
おびただしい (obitadashii)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "おびただしい (obitadashii)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- おびただしい (Level: N2): Translates to "countless, enormous, immense (in number or quantity)" and is used when Used to describe a very large or overwhelming number/quantity of something, often implying a sense of being countless or vast. It has a slightly more literary or formal feel than 「とても多い」..
- 夥しい (Level: N2): Maps to "immense, vast, countless, enormous" and carries the nuance of Expresses an extremely large amount or number. Often implies a surprising or overwhelming quantity, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation. 「非常に多い、数えきれないほど」という意味。.
Bilingual Context for "おびただしい"
事故現場にはおびただしい数の野次馬が集まっていた。
An enormous number of onlookers had gathered at the accident scene.
Bilingual Context for "夥しい"
その災害は、夥しい数の犠牲者を出した。
The disaster resulted in an immense number of casualties.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "事故現場には ＿＿＿ 数の野次馬が集まっていた。" (Meaning: "An enormous number of onlookers had gathered at the accident scene.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "おびただしい" is used for "countless, enormous, immense (in number or quantity)" in the context: "An enormous number of onlookers had gathered at the accident scene.".