What is the difference between "かみ" and "神"?

"かみ" means "paper" (N5), whereas "神" represents "god; deity; spirit" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "かみ (kami)"

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

Kanji Option A

かみ (kami)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

かみ (kami)

N4 / CEFR

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

かみ (Level: N5): Translates to "paper" and is used when This word can also mean 'god'.
神 (Level: N4): Maps to "god; deity; spirit" and carries the nuance of Noun. Refers to a deity or sacred being in various religions and mythologies..

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

Bilingual Context for "かみ"

このかみは白くてきれいです。

This paper is white and beautiful.

Bilingual Context for "神"

日本にはたくさんの神様がいる。

There are many gods in Japan.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "この＿＿＿は白くてきれいです。" (Meaning: "This paper is white and beautiful.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "かみ" is used for "paper" in the context: "This paper is white and beautiful.".