Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "けなす (kenasu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
けなす
けなす (kenasu)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
貶す
けなす (kenasu)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "けなす (kenasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- けなす (Level: N2): Translates to "to disparage, to speak ill of, to put down, to run down" and is used when To criticize negatively, often unfairly, or to belittle someone/something..
- 貶す (Level: N2): Maps to "to disparage; to speak ill of; to belittle; to run down" and carries the nuance of To speak negatively or critically of someone or something, often in a way that diminishes their value, reputation, or achievements. It implies an intention to lower their standing or make them seem worse than they are..
Bilingual Context for "けなす"
人の作品をむやみにけなすべきではない。
You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.
Bilingual Context for "貶す"
他人の努力を貶すのは良くない。
It's not good to disparage other people's efforts.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "人の作品をむやみに ＿＿＿ べきではない。" (Meaning: "You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "けなす" is used for "to disparage, to speak ill of, to put down, to run down" in the context: "You shouldn't needlessly disparage other people's work.".