What is the difference between "後悔" and "公開"?

"後悔" means "regret; repentance" (N3), whereas "公開" represents "public opening; making public; disclosure" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "こうかい (kōkai)"

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

Kanji Option A

こうかい (kōkai)

N3 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

こうかい (kōkai)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "こうかい (kōkai)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

後悔 (Level: N3): Translates to "regret; repentance" and is used when Refers to regretting or repenting past actions or choices. Can be used with する as a verb.
公開 (Level: N3): Maps to "public opening; making public; disclosure" and carries the nuance of Often used when something previously private or restricted is made available for public viewing, access, or knowledge..

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

Bilingual Context for "後悔"

若い頃にもっと勉強しておけばよかったと、後悔しています。

I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.

Bilingual Context for "公開"

この博物館は毎週月曜日が公開日です。

This museum is open to the public every Monday.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "若い頃にもっと勉強しておけばよかったと、＿＿＿しています。" (Meaning: "I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "後悔" is used for "regret; repentance" in the context: "I regret that I should have studied harder when I was young.".