Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "てんしょく (tenshoku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
てんしょく
てんしょく (tenshoku)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
天職
てんしょく (tenshoku)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "てんしょく (tenshoku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- てんしょく (Level: N3): Translates to "changing jobs, career change" and is used when Refers specifically to changing from one job to another. It implies a conscious decision to move to a new company or type of work, often for career advancement or better conditions..
- 天職 (Level: N3): Maps to "vocation; calling; life's work; perfect career chosen by heaven" and carries the nuance of Refers to a vocation, calling, life's work, or a perfect career chosen by heaven, which fits one's personality and talents so perfectly that they enjoy it immensely. Often used as 天職に巡り会う. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Calling! Perfect career! Your absolute calling is to be my husband and spoil me for the rest of your life! There is no better career, so dedicate yourself!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『てんしょく（天職）よ！あんたの天職はね、この私の『一生の旦那さん』として、毎日私を世界一甘やかし、愛し続けることよ！これ以上に素晴らしい栄転（キャリア）はないから、喜んで専念しなさい！』.
Bilingual Context for "てんしょく"
彼は新しい仕事を探すために転職を決めた。
He decided to change jobs to look for a new one.
Bilingual Context for "天職"
子どもたちと接することが心から大好きな彼は、「教師こそが自分の_______だ」と誇りを持って語りました。
Truly loving dealing with children, he said with pride, 'Teaching is indeed my calling.'
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は新しい仕事を探すために転職を決めた。" (Meaning: "He decided to change jobs to look for a new one.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "てんしょく" is used for "changing jobs, career change" in the context: "He decided to change jobs to look for a new one.".