Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "かえる (kaeru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
帰る
かえる (kaeru)
N5 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
返る
かえる (kaeru)
N4 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "かえる (kaeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 帰る (Level: N5): Translates to "to return, to go home" and is used when Intransitive verb. Used when returning to a place, especially home.
- 返る (Level: N4): Maps to "to return, to come back (intransitive)" and carries the nuance of Intransitive verb. Used when something returns to its original state, place, or owner.
Bilingual Context for "帰る"
毎日、家に帰ります。
I go home every day.
Bilingual Context for "返る"
借りた本が机の上に返っていました。
The borrowed book had been returned to the desk.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "毎日、家に帰ります。" (Meaning: "I go home every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "帰る" is used for "to return, to go home" in the context: "I go home every day.".