Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "むなしい (munashii)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
むなしい
むなしい (munashii)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
虚しい
むなしい (munashii)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "むなしい (munashii)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- むなしい (Level: N2): Translates to "empty, vain, futile, meaningless" and is used when Describes a feeling of emptiness, pointlessness, or that efforts were in vain. It can be applied to efforts, lives, or feelings..
- 虚しい (Level: N2): Maps to "empty, futile, vain, meaningless" and carries the nuance of Describes a feeling of emptiness, lack of purpose, or the futility of efforts, often after a long endeavor or when expectations are not met. 努力が無駄になったり、心が満たされず、空虚な気持ちになる状態。.
Bilingual Context for "むなしい"
彼の努力はむなしく終わった。
His efforts ended in vain.
Bilingual Context for "虚しい"
長年続けてきた研究が失敗に終わり、虚しい気持ちになった。
My research, which I had continued for many years, ended in failure, and I felt empty.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "彼の努力はむなしく終わった。" (Meaning: "His efforts ended in vain.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "むなしい" is used for "empty, vain, futile, meaningless" in the context: "His efforts ended in vain.".