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Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "こども (kodomo)"

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

Kanji Option A

子供

こども (kodomo)
N5 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B

子ども

こども (kodomo)
N5 / CEFR

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "こども (kodomo)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
  • 子供 (Level: N5): Translates to "child, children" and is used when Can refer to a single child or multiple children. 「お子さん」.
  • 子ども (Level: N5): Maps to "child, children" and carries the nuance of Used for a single child or multiple children. Also refers to one's own child.
Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!
Bilingual Context for "子供"
公園で子供たちが遊んでいます。
Children are playing in the park.
Bilingual Context for "子ども"
公園で子どもたちが遊んでいます。
Children are playing in the park.

Kanji Selection Quiz

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "公園で ___ たちが遊んでいます。" (Meaning: "Children are playing in the park.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "子供" is used for "child, children" in the context: "Children are playing in the park.".

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