What is the difference between "点ける" and "付ける"?

"点ける" means "to turn on; to light; to switch on" (N4), whereas "付ける" represents "to attach; to put on; to turn on; to add" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "つける (tsukeru)"

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

Kanji Option A

つける (tsukeru)

N4 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

つける (tsukeru)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "つける (tsukeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

点ける (Level: N4): Translates to "to turn on; to light; to switch on" and is used when Transitive verb. Commonly used for turning on lights.
付ける (Level: N4): Maps to "to attach; to put on; to turn on; to add" and carries the nuance of A very versatile verb with multiple common uses. It can mean 'to attach/put 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 "点ける"

部屋が暗いので、電気を点けてください。

The room is dark, so please turn on the light.

Bilingual Context for "付ける"

部屋が暗いので、電気を付けてください。

The room is dark, so please turn on the light.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "部屋が暗いので、電気を点けてください。" (Meaning: "The room is dark, so please turn on the light.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "点ける" is used for "to turn on; to light; to switch on" in the context: "The room is dark, so please turn on the light.".