homonym Comparative
叶う
VS
かなう
Differences Between "叶う" and "かなう"
Option A
叶う
Meaning
to come true, to be granted (wish, dream)
Reading
かなう (kanau)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
いつか海外で働くという夢が叶いました。
My dream of working overseas finally came true.
Option B
かなう
Meaning
to come true (wish); to be realized (dream); to match; to be equal to
Reading
かなう (kanau)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼の長年の夢がついにかなった。
His long-cherished dream finally came true.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to come true, to be granted (wish, dream))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 叶う: Used exclusively for wishes, dreams, hopes, or prayers being realized or fulfilled. It's the opposite of 夢が破れる (yume ga yabureru - a dream is broken).
- かなう: Primarily means for a wish or dream to be fulfilled (夢がかなう). It can also mean to be a match for someone or something, or to be able to compete (彼にはかなわない - I can't beat him/I'm no match for him).
- 叶う: Used exclusively for wishes, dreams, hopes, or prayers being realized or fulfilled. It's the opposite of 夢が破れる (yume ga yabureru - a dream is broken).
- かなう: Primarily means for a wish or dream to be fulfilled (夢がかなう). It can also mean to be a match for someone or something, or to be able to compete (彼にはかなわない - I can't beat him/I'm no match for him).
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