What is the difference between "高速" and "拘束"?

"高速" means "high speed; expressway" (N3), whereas "拘束" represents "restriction, restraint, detention, confinement" (N1).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "こうそく (kōsoku)"

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

Kanji Option A

こうそく (kōsoku)

N3 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

こうそく (kōsoku)

N1 / CEFR

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

高速 (Level: N3): Translates to "high speed; expressway" and is used when Refers to something moving or operating at a high speed.
拘束 (Level: N1): Maps to "restriction, restraint, detention, confinement" and carries the nuance of Implies limiting freedom of movement, action, or thought. Can be physical.

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

Bilingual Context for "高速"

高速道路で東京へ行った。

I went to Tokyo by expressway.

Bilingual Context for "拘束"

彼は警察に拘束された。

He was detained by the police.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿道路で東京へ行った。" (Meaning: "I went to Tokyo by expressway.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "高速" is used for "high speed; expressway" in the context: "I went to Tokyo by expressway.".