Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "はかる (hakaru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
測る
はかる (hakaru)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
図る
はかる (hakaru)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "はかる (hakaru)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 測る (Level: N3): Translates to "to measure, to weigh, to survey" and is used when Commonly used for measuring physical quantities like length, weight, temperature, or time. Can also mean to guess or infer..
- 図る (Level: N2): Maps to "to plan, to attempt, to devise, to seek, to aim for (e.g., efficiency, success)" and carries the nuance of Used for planning or aiming to achieve something, often positive outcomes like efficiency, improvement, or success. Also, implies making an effort or devising a scheme. 効率化、改善、成功など、何かを達成するために計画したり、目標としたり、工夫したりする際に使われます。.
Bilingual Context for "測る"
時間を測るためにストップウォッチを使った。
I used a stopwatch to measure the time.
Bilingual Context for "図る"
会社はコスト削減を図るため、新しいシステムを導入した。
The company introduced a new system to aim for cost reduction.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "時間を ＿＿＿ ためにストップウォッチを使った。" (Meaning: "I used a stopwatch to measure the time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "測る" is used for "to measure, to weigh, to survey" in the context: "I used a stopwatch to measure the time.".