What is the difference between "ひくい" and "低い"?

"ひくい" means "low, short" (N5), whereas "低い" represents "low; short (height); humble (voice)" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "ひくい (hikui)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

ひくい (hikui)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

ひくい (hikui)

N5 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ひくい (hikui)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

ひくい (Level: N5): Translates to "low, short" and is used when An い-adjective. Used to describe something low in height or position. Opposite of 高い.
低い (Level: N5): Maps to "low; short (height); humble (voice)" and carries the nuance of An i-adjective. Used for physical height.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "ひくい"

この机はひくいですね。

This desk is low, isn't it?

Bilingual Context for "低い"

この机は背が低い人にはちょうどいいです。

This desk is just right for short people.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "この机は＿＿＿ですね。" (Meaning: "This desk is low, isn't it?")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "ひくい" is used for "low, short" in the context: "This desk is low, isn't it?".