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Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "たてまつる (tatematsuru)"

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

Kanji Option A

奉る

たてまつる (tatematsuru)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B

たてまつる

たてまつる (tatematsuru)
N2 / CEFR

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "たてまつる (tatematsuru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
  • 奉る (Level: N2): Translates to "to offer, to present (to a superior); to worship" and is used when A highly formal and humble verb.
  • たてまつる (Level: N2): Maps to "to offer, to present (to a superior), to serve (a superior), to offer respectfully (humble verb)" and carries the nuance of A classical Japanese humble verb used to show extreme respect when offering something to a superior, serving a superior, or sometimes to refer to performing an action for a superior. Has a formal and somewhat archaic feel..
Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!
Bilingual Context for "奉る"
神社に五穀豊穣を祈り、供物を奉った。
I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.
Bilingual Context for "たてまつる"
神に供物をたてまつる。
To offer sacrifices to the gods.

Kanji Selection Quiz

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "神社に五穀豊穣を祈り、供物を奉った。" (Meaning: "I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "奉る" is used for "to offer, to present (to a superior); to worship" in the context: "I offered food to the shrine, praying for a bountiful harvest.".

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