Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "はからずも (hakarazumo)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
図らずも
はからずも (hakarazumo)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
はからずも
はからずも (hakarazumo)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "はからずも (hakarazumo)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 図らずも (Level: N2): Translates to "unexpectedly, by chance, unintentionally, against one's will/expectation" and is used when An adverb used to describe something that happened without prior planning or intention, often with an element of surprise, coincidence, or serendipity. It emphasizes the lack of conscious effort or expectation..
- はからずも (Level: N2): Maps to "unexpectedly; by chance; without planning" and carries the nuance of Expresses that something happened by chance or contrary to one's expectations or intentions. More formal than 偶然.
Bilingual Context for "図らずも"
図らずも、昔の友人と駅で再会した。
Unexpectedly, I reunited with an old friend at the station.
Bilingual Context for "はからずも"
はからずも、幼なじみと旅先で再会した。
Unexpectedly, I reunited with a childhood friend while traveling.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: " ＿＿＿ 、昔の友人と駅で再会した。" (Meaning: "Unexpectedly, I reunited with an old friend at the station.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "図らずも" is used for "unexpectedly, by chance, unintentionally, against one's will/expectation" in the context: "Unexpectedly, I reunited with an old friend at the station.".