What is the difference between "書く" and "斯く"?

"書く" means "to write, to draw" (N5), whereas "斯く" represents "thus, in this way, like this, such" (N1).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "かく (kaku)"

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

Kanji Option A

かく (kaku)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

かく (kaku)

N1 / CEFR

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

書く (Level: N5): Translates to "to write, to draw" and is used when Used for creating text or images. Polite form is 書きます.
斯く (Level: N1): Maps to "thus, in this way, like this, such" and carries the nuance of A formal or slightly old-fashioned way of saying 「このように」 or 「こんなふうに」. Often seen in written language or very formal speech..

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

Bilingual Context for "書く"

手紙を書きます。

I write a letter.

Bilingual Context for "斯く"

斯く言う私も、彼の意見には賛成しかねる。

Even I, who say thus, cannot quite agree with his opinion.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "手紙を書きます。" (Meaning: "I write a letter.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "書く" is used for "to write, to draw" in the context: "I write a letter.".