Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "はかる (hakaru)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
計る
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.
- 計る (Level: N3): Translates to "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)" and is used when 時間、距離、速度などを「測る」ときに使われます。また、計画や予測を立てる際にも使われることがあります。/ Used when 'measuring' time, distance, speed, etc. Also used for making plans or estimations..
- 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 "計る"
ストップウォッチで走るタイムを計った。
I measured my running time with a stopwatch.
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: "ストップウォッチで走るタイムを計った。" (Meaning: "I measured my running time with a stopwatch.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "計る" is used for "to measure (time, distance, estimation, plan)" in the context: "I measured my running time with a stopwatch.".