Kanji Homophone Battle
Pronunciation Trap: "もてなす (motenasu)"
Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.
Kanji Option A
持て成す
もてなす (motenasu)
N2 / CEFR
VS
Kanji Option B
もてなす
もてなす (motenasu)
N2 / CEFR
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "もてなす (motenasu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.
- 持て成す (Level: N2): Translates to "to entertain, to treat (a guest), to look after" and is used when Implies treating guests with hospitality, kindness, and attentiveness, often involving providing food, drink, and a comfortable environment. Emphasizes genuine hospitality..
- もてなす (Level: N2): Maps to "to entertain; to treat (a guest); to look after" and carries the nuance of Implies showing hospitality and making efforts to please a guest. Often used in polite contexts..
Bilingual Context for "持て成す"
遠方から来たお客様を心から持て成した。
We entertained the guests who came from afar with all our hearts.
Bilingual Context for "もてなす"
遠方からのお客様を心を込めてもてなした。
I heartily entertained the guests from afar.
Kanji Selection Quiz
Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?
Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "遠方から来たお客様を心から持て成した。" (Meaning: "We entertained the guests who came from afar with all our hearts.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Correct! "持て成す" is used for "to entertain, to treat (a guest), to look after" in the context: "We entertained the guests who came from afar with all our hearts.".