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Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "てんしょく (tenshoku)"

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

Kanji Option A

転職

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.
  • 転職 (Level: N3): Translates to "changing jobs; job change" and is used when Refers to changing one's job or career. Can be used with する as a verb.
  • 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!』.
Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!
Bilingual Context for "転職"
キャリアアップを目指して、来月新しい会社へ転職します。
Aiming for career advancement, I will change jobs to a new company next month.
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: "キャリアアップを目指して、来月新しい会社へ ___ します。" (Meaning: "Aiming for career advancement, I will change jobs to a new company next month.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "転職" is used for "changing jobs; job change" in the context: "Aiming for career advancement, I will change jobs to a new company next month.".

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