What is the difference between "きのう" and "機能"?

"きのう" means "yesterday" (N5), whereas "機能" represents "function, feature, capability" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "きのう (kinou)"

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

Kanji Option A

きのう (kinou)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

きのう (kinou)

N3 / CEFR

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

きのう (Level: N5): Translates to "yesterday" and is used when Refers to the day before today. Can also be written as 昨日. Often used with past tense verbs..
機能 (Level: N3): Maps to "function, feature, capability" and carries the nuance of Refers to the specific capabilities or operations that a device, system, or organism possesses..

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

Bilingual Context for "きのう"

きのう、映画を見ました。

I watched a movie yesterday.

Bilingual Context for "機能"

この新しいカメラには便利な機能がたくさんあります。

This new camera has many convenient features.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿、映画を見ました。" (Meaning: "I watched a movie yesterday.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "きのう" is used for "yesterday" in the context: "I watched a movie yesterday.".