Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "かなう (kanau)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
叶う
かなう (kanau)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
かなう
かなう (kanau)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "かなう (kanau)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 叶う (Level: N3): Translates to "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" and is used when Used exclusively for wishes, dreams, hopes, or prayers being realized or fulfilled. It's the opposite of 夢が破れる.
- かなう (Level: N2): Maps to "to come true (wish); to be realized (dream); to match; to be equal to" and carries the nuance of Primarily means for a wish or dream to be fulfilled.
Bilingual Context for "叶う"
いつか海外で働くという夢が叶いました。
My dream of working overseas finally came true.
Bilingual Context for "かなう"
彼の長年の夢がついにかなった。
His long-cherished dream finally came true.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "いつか海外で働くという夢が叶いました。" (Meaning: "My dream of working overseas finally came true.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "叶う" is used for "to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)" in the context: "My dream of working overseas finally came true.".