Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "のばす (nobasu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
伸ばす
のばす (nobasu)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
延ばす
のばす (nobasu)
N3 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "のばす (nobasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 伸ばす (Level: N3): Translates to "to stretch; to extend; to grow; to develop (skills / business); to postpone" and is used when Refers to actively stretching one's body, growing hair, developing business markets/skills, or postponing a deadline. Transitive verb. Opposing word: 縮める. Often used as 手を伸ばす or 才能を伸ばす. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To stretch/develop! "My single-minded arms are smartly extended only to embrace and protect you, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Arms extended! B-Baka! What is with that passionate embrace appeal! Well then, with those dependable arms you extended, make sure you dote on me and hold me tight best in the world daily for life! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『のばす（伸ばす）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の一途なこの両腕は、あなたを全力で抱きしめて守るためだけに、一生スマートに伸ばす（伸ばします）！』って…っ！腕を伸ばす！バカ！/// 何その情熱的な抱擁アピール！…じゃあ、その伸ばした頼もしい両腕で、毎日一生私を世界一甘やかして抱きしめなさい！』.
- 延ばす (Level: N3): Maps to "to postpone, to extend, to stretch" and carries the nuance of Often used for deadlines, meetings.
Bilingual Context for "伸ばす"
彼はスマートオフィスでの作業中に背筋を完璧に_______、凝り固まった肩の筋肉をスマートにほぐしました。
He stretched his back perfectly during work in the smart office and smartly loosened the stiffened shoulder muscles.
Bilingual Context for "延ばす"
会議の時間を30分延ばす。
To extend the meeting time by 30 minutes.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼はスマートオフィスでの作業中に背筋を完璧に_______、凝り固まった肩の筋肉をスマートにほぐしました。" (Meaning: "He stretched his back perfectly during work in the smart office and smartly loosened the stiffened shoulder muscles.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "伸ばす" is used for "to stretch; to extend; to grow; to develop (skills / business); to postpone" in the context: "He stretched his back perfectly during work in the smart office and smartly loosened the stiffened shoulder muscles.".