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Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "まじめな (majime na)"

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

Kanji Option A

真面目な

まじめな (majime na)
N4 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B

まじめな

まじめな (majime na)
N3 / CEFR

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "まじめな (majime na)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
  • 真面目な (Level: N4): Translates to "serious; diligent; earnest" and is used when A な-adjective.
  • まじめな (Level: N3): Maps to "serious, diligent, earnest, honest" and carries the nuance of A な-adjective. Describes someone's character or attitude as sincere, earnest, or hardworking. Generally used positively to commend a person's responsible nature..
Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!
Bilingual Context for "真面目な"
彼はいつも真面目に勉強しています。
He always studies seriously.
Bilingual Context for "まじめな"
彼はいつもまじめに仕事に取り組んでいる。
He always approaches his work diligently.

Kanji Selection Quiz

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼はいつも真面目に勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He always studies seriously.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "真面目な" is used for "serious; diligent; earnest" in the context: "He always studies seriously.".

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