Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "ねぎらう (negirau)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
労う
ねぎらう (negirau)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
ねぎらう
ねぎらう (negirau)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ねぎらう (negirau)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 労う (Level: N2): Translates to "to reward (for effort); to express gratitude for" and is used when 相手の努力や苦労を認め、「感謝や慰労の気持ちを伝える」際に使われます。Used when acknowledging someone's efforts or hardships and 'expressing feelings of gratitude or appreciation'..
- ねぎらう (Level: N2): Maps to "to thank for hard work, to express gratitude for effort" and carries the nuance of Used to appreciate someone's effort or labor, often after a long or difficult task..
Bilingual Context for "労う"
上司は部下の努力を労って、慰労会を開いた。
The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.
Bilingual Context for "ねぎらう"
長年の功績をねぎらい、感謝状を贈った。
We presented a letter of appreciation to thank him for his many years of service.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "上司は部下の努力を労って、慰労会を開いた。" (Meaning: "The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "労う" is used for "to reward (for effort); to express gratitude for" in the context: "The boss praised his subordinates' efforts and held a party to express his appreciation.".