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Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "てがける (tegakeru)"

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

Kanji Option A

手掛ける

てがける (tegakeru)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B

手がける

てがける (tegakeru)
N2 / CEFR

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "てがける (tegakeru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
  • 手掛ける (Level: N2): Translates to "to handle, to manage, to undertake, to work on" and is used when Often implies direct involvement, responsibility, or expertise in a project or task..
  • 手がける (Level: N2): Maps to "to handle, to undertake, to work on, to manage" and carries the nuance of Implies active involvement, management, or responsibility in creating, developing, or dealing with something. Often used for projects, products, businesses, or works of art..
Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!
Bilingual Context for "手掛ける"
彼は長年にわたり多くの大規模プロジェクトを手掛けてきた。
He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.
Bilingual Context for "手がける"
彼は数々のヒット商品を手がけてきた。
He has worked on numerous hit products.

Kanji Selection Quiz

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は長年にわたり多くの大規模プロジェクトを手掛けてきた。" (Meaning: "He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "手掛ける" is used for "to handle, to manage, to undertake, to work on" in the context: "He has undertaken many large-scale projects over many years.".

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