Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "てがかり (tegakari)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
手掛かり
てがかり (tegakari)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
手がかり
てがかり (tegakari)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "てがかり (tegakari)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 手掛かり (Level: N2): Translates to "clue, lead, trace, hint" and is used when Something that helps in solving a mystery, finding something lost, or making progress in a task. It's a key piece of information or an initial step..
- 手がかり (Level: N2): Maps to "clue, lead, hint" and carries the nuance of Refers to a piece of information or an object that helps to solve a mystery or find something. 問題解決や物事を見つけるための情報や糸口。.
Bilingual Context for "手掛かり"
事件解決の手掛かりが見つかった。
A clue to solving the case was found.
Bilingual Context for "手がかり"
犯人は何も手がかりを残さなかった。
The culprit left no clues.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "事件解決の ＿＿＿ が見つかった。" (Meaning: "A clue to solving the case was found.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "手掛かり" is used for "clue, lead, trace, hint" in the context: "A clue to solving the case was found.".