Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "つとめる (tsutomeru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
勤める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
努める
つとめる (tsutomeru)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "つとめる (tsutomeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 勤める (Level: N4): Translates to "to work for; to be employed at; to serve" and is used when This verb specifically means 'to be employed at' or 'to work for' a company, organization, or in a specific role. It emphasizes the act of serving or being engaged in a profession, often used with the particle に or で. It differs from 働く.
- 努める (Level: N3): Maps to "to make an effort; to endeavor; to strive" and carries the nuance of Often used when talking about making a conscious effort or trying hard to achieve something. It implies perseverance. It is an intransitive verb in most common usages related to effort..
Bilingual Context for "勤める"
彼は銀行に勤めています。
He works for a bank.
Bilingual Context for "努める"
彼は目標達成のために毎日努めている。
He strives every day to achieve his goal.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は銀行に勤めています。" (Meaning: "He works for a bank.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "勤める" is used for "to work for; to be employed at; to serve" in the context: "He works for a bank.".