What is the difference between "机" and "つくえ"?

"机" means "desk" (N5), whereas "つくえ" represents "desk; table" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "つくえ (tsukue)"

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

Kanji Option A

つくえ (tsukue)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

つくえ (tsukue)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "つくえ (tsukue)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

机 (Level: N5): Translates to "desk" and is used when 勉強や仕事をするために使う家具です。物を置いたり、座って作業をしたりします。/ Furniture used for studying or working. Used for placing objects or sitting down to work..
つくえ (Level: N5): Maps to "desk; table" and carries the nuance of A common noun for a desk or a table, especially one used for studying, working, or placing objects on..

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

Bilingual Context for "机"

机の上に本があります。

There is a book on the desk.

Bilingual Context for "つくえ"

つくえの上に本があります。

There is a book on the desk.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿の上に本があります。" (Meaning: "There is a book on the desk.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "机" is used for "desk" in the context: "There is a book on the desk.".