What is the difference between "かぜ" and "風邪"?

"かぜ" means "a cold, flu" (N5), whereas "風邪" represents "cold (illness)" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "かぜ (kaze)"

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

Kanji Option A

かぜ (kaze)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

かぜ (kaze)

N4 / CEFR

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

かぜ (Level: N5): Translates to "a cold, flu" and is used when This word.
風邪 (Level: N4): Maps to "cold (illness)" and carries the nuance of Commonly used to refer to a common cold. Often used with ひく.

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

Bilingual Context for "かぜ"

かぜを引いて、熱があります。

I caught a cold and have a fever.

Bilingual Context for "風邪"

風邪をひいて、学校を休みました。

I caught a cold and took a day off from school.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿を引いて、熱があります。" (Meaning: "I caught a cold and have a fever.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "かぜ" is used for "a cold, flu" in the context: "I caught a cold and have a fever.".