What is the difference between "読む" and "よむ"?

"読む" means "to read" (N5), whereas "よむ" represents "to read" (N5).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "よむ (yomu)"

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

Kanji Option A

よむ (yomu)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

よむ (yomu)

N5 / CEFR

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

読む (Level: N5): Translates to "to read" and is used when Used for written materials. Polite form is 読みます.
よむ (Level: N5): Maps to "to read" and carries the nuance of Transitive verb. Used for reading books, newspapers, letters, etc. The kanji is 読む..

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

Bilingual Context for "読む"

本を読みます。

I read a book.

Bilingual Context for "よむ"

本をよみます。

I read books.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "本を読みます。" (Meaning: "I read a book.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "読む" is used for "to read" in the context: "I read a book.".