synonym Comparative
かなう
VS
思い当たる
Differences Between "かなう" and "思い当たる"
Option A
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.
Option B
思い当たる
Meaning
to come to mind; to occur to one; to strike upon (an idea, reason, etc.); to remember suddenly
Reading
おもいあたる (omoiataru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
忘れ物の場所が分からず困っていたが、ふと机の上にあることに思い当たった。
I was troubled not knowing where I left my forgotten item, but then it suddenly dawned on me that it was on the desk.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to come true (wish); to be realized (dream); to match; to be equal to)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 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).
- 思い当たる: This verb is used when an idea, a reason, a solution, or a memory suddenly comes to one's mind. It implies a moment of realization or recollection. Often used in the past tense to describe that moment.
- 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).
- 思い当たる: This verb is used when an idea, a reason, a solution, or a memory suddenly comes to one's mind. It implies a moment of realization or recollection. Often used in the past tense to describe that moment.
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