What is the difference between "帽子" and "防止"?

"帽子" means "hat, cap" (N5), whereas "防止" represents "prevention; to prevent" (N3).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "ぼうし (bōshi)"

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

Kanji Option A

ぼうし (bōshi)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

ぼうし (bōshi)

N3 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "ぼうし (bōshi)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

帽子 (Level: N5): Translates to "hat, cap" and is used when Refers to headwear. 「帽子をかぶる」.
防止 (Level: N3): Maps to "prevention; to prevent" and carries the nuance of この言葉は、事故、災害、病気などのネガティブな結果を避けるための対策や行動について話す際、比較的フォーマルな文脈で使われます。名詞（防止策）としても、動詞（防止する）としても機能します。/ This word is often used in more formal contexts when discussing measures or actions taken to avoid negative outcomes, such as accidents, disasters, or diseases. It can function as a noun.

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

Bilingual Context for "帽子"

日差しが強いので帽子をかぶっていきましょう。

Let's wear a hat because the sun is strong.

Bilingual Context for "防止"

事故の防止のために、シートベルトを締めましょう。

Let's fasten our seatbelts to prevent accidents.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "日差しが強いので＿＿＿をかぶっていきましょう。" (Meaning: "Let's wear a hat because the sun is strong.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "帽子" is used for "hat, cap" in the context: "Let's wear a hat because the sun is strong.".