Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "こくはく (kokuhaku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
告白
こくはく (kokuhaku)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
酷薄
こくはく (kokuhaku)
N1 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "こくはく (kokuhaku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 告白 (Level: N2): Translates to "confession, acknowledgement; (love) confession" and is used when To confess a secret, a crime, or one's true feelings.
- 酷薄 (Level: N1): Maps to "cruel, heartless, brutal, ruthless" and carries the nuance of Describes a person or an act that is extremely cruel, unkind, and lacking in compassion or empathy. Often used for characters in literature or extreme situations, carrying a strong negative connotation..
Bilingual Context for "告白"
彼は彼女に愛を告白した。
He confessed his love to her.
Bilingual Context for "酷薄"
彼の酷薄な態度は、皆を震え上がらせた。
His cruel attitude made everyone tremble.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は彼女に愛を ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He confessed his love to her.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "告白" is used for "confession, acknowledgement; (love) confession" in the context: "He confessed his love to her.".