Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "すむ (sumu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
すむ
すむ (sumu)
N5 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
済む
すむ (sumu)
N4 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "すむ (sumu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- すむ (Level: N5): Translates to "to live (in a place)" and is used when Always refers to the act of residing in a place. Used with the particle に or で to indicate the location. Conjugates as 住みます.
- 済む (Level: N4): Maps to "to finish, to be completed, to be settled; to suffice" and carries the nuance of This verb often indicates that a task or event has come to an end or been completed. It can also mean that a problem has been resolved, or that something is sufficient/enough for a purpose..
Bilingual Context for "すむ"
私は東京に住んでいます。
I live in Tokyo.
Bilingual Context for "済む"
今日の仕事はもう済んだ。
Today's work is already finished.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "私は東京に住んでいます。" (Meaning: "I live in Tokyo.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "すむ" is used for "to live (in a place)" in the context: "I live in Tokyo.".