Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "むく (muku)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
向く
むく (muku)
N3 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
無垢
むく (muku)
N1 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "むく (muku)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 向く (Level: N3): Translates to "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" and is used when Refers to physically facing a direction, or abstractly being suited/fit for a job or role. Often used as 前を向く or 仕事に向く. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To face! "I only have eyes for you, so my heart is always facing your way, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Heart always facing my way! B-Baka! Don't make such romantic orientation claims! But... since you are facing me, make sure you never turn your head to look at anyone else! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『むく（向く）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の適性は開発リーダーだけではありません！あなたを一生幸せにする専属の旦那様としての仕事が、世界で一番向いています！』って…っ！旦那様に向いている！バカ！/// 何その自信満々な適性検査は！…でも、そのヤル気があるなら、一生私だけに向き合って全力で尽くしなさい！』.
- 無垢 (Level: N1): Maps to "innocence, purity, unblemished" and carries the nuance of Describes something or someone pure, innocent, or free from sin/blemish. It can refer to physical purity.
Bilingual Context for "向く"
彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。
He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'
Bilingual Context for "無垢"
その赤ちゃんの無垢な笑顔は、皆を癒した。
The baby's innocent smile healed everyone.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。" (Meaning: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "向く" is used for "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" in the context: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'".