Confusing Kanji - Part 3 -

One line difference

Lets look at five more Confusing Kanji where a small line can make difference.

1. Shin (spicey, bitter) and kou (happiness, blessing)

辛　幸　

While meaning almost the opposite, the Kanji looks almost the same. The only difference is the horizontal line on the top of the kou Kanji.

2. Ei (long, eternity), Sui (water) and Koori (ice)

永　水　氷

The biggest difference is the small point on top of the Kanji to differentiate the vertical line in the middle. Notice the small horizontal line on top of the body, coming from the left. Normally you draw this line, too. The Kanji for koori is the same as mizu mizu, but with a small line on the left side of the vertical line in the middle and over the left part.

3. Uri (melon) and Tsume (fingernail, toenail)

瓜　 爪

The Kanji for uri and tsume can be confusing, but the good thing is, that the uri Kanji is uncommon and not even in the JLPT. But when being in Japan, you will be seeing it. Most likely for Melon and Cucumber ( 胡瓜 ).

4. Ji (character, letter, word) and Gaku (science, learning)

字　学

The ji and gaku are thematically related, so you may see them in the same Text. The difference is the radical on top. The gaku Kanji has three lines, while the ji only has on.

5. Hoku (north) and Hi (compare)

北　比　

The next two are the Kanji for hoku and hi. Here the difference is the left radical. The vertical line of the left radical of hoku Kanji goes through and is made up of three lines, while he hi Kanji is just to lines, with the end pointing to the right.

With the difference in the radical with the last two examples, the next Parts will concentrate on confusing Kanji, where the radical make the difference.