When you're first starting out with Japanese, you'll learn that the verb to write is 書く (かく/kaku). It's one of the very first verbs you'll encounter. It's an A1 level verb, meaning it's fundamental.
As you progress, you'll find that 書く is actually quite versatile and can be used in many contexts. It doesn't just mean to physically write letters or words. You might hear it in phrases like 論文を書く (ronbun o kaku) which means to write a paper or article, or 手紙を書く (tegami o kaku) meaning to write a letter. It's a core verb with broad applicability.
When using the verb「書く」(かく) for 'to write,' it's often accompanied by a direct object indicating what is being written, marked by the particle 「を」 (o). For example, 「手紙を書く」(tegami o kaku) means 'to write a letter.' It can also be used with indirect objects, such as 「ペンで書く」(pen de kaku) meaning 'to write with a pen,' where 「で」 (de) indicates the instrument. The verb conjugates like other Godan verbs.
When using the verb「書く」(かく) for 'to write,' you often indicate what you are writing with the particle「を」. For example, 「手紙を書く」 (tegami o kaku) means 'to write a letter.' You can also specify the tool you're writing with using the particle「で」, such as 「ペンで書く」 (pen de kaku) for 'to write with a pen.'
If you want to mention where you are writing, you can use the particle 「に」 or 「で」 depending on the nuance. For instance, 「ノートに書く」 (nōto ni kaku) means 'to write in a notebook.' Additionally, 「書く」 can also be used in contexts like 'to draw' or 'to paint,' especially when referring to characters, pictures, or diagrams. For example, 「絵を書く」 (e o kaku) means 'to draw a picture.'
§ Mistake 1: Confusing かく (kaku) with other verbs
Many beginner Japanese learners often confuse かく (kaku - to write) with other similar-sounding or looking verbs. Let's clear up the most common ones.
- Confusion with 描く (kaku)
- While both are pronounced 'kaku', the kanji 描く means 'to draw' or 'to paint'. This is a common pitfall because the pronunciation is identical. Always pay attention to the kanji if it's present, or the context if you're only hearing the word.
絵を描くのが好きです。(E o kaku no ga suki desu.)
Hint: I like to draw/paint pictures.
- Confusion with 嗅ぐ (kagu)
- This one sounds very similar to かく (kaku) but means 'to smell'. The slight difference in pronunciation (kagu vs kaku) is crucial here.
花の匂いを嗅ぐ。(Hana no nioi o kagu.)
Hint: To smell the scent of a flower.
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect particle usage
Particles are tricky in Japanese, and using the wrong one with かく (kaku) can completely change or obscure your meaning. The most common mistake is using を (o) incorrectly or omitting it when necessary.
- Using を (o) for the object being written
- The particle を (o) marks the direct object of the verb. So, if you are writing a letter, the letter is the direct object.
手紙を書く。(Tegami o kaku.)
Hint: To write a letter.
- Using で (de) for the tool or place
- The particle で (de) indicates the means by which an action is performed (e.g., with a pen) or the place where an action occurs (e.g., at home).
ペンで名前を書く。(Pen de namae o kaku.)
Hint: To write one's name with a pen.
図書館でレポートを書く。(Toshokan de repōto o kaku.)
Hint: To write a report at the library.
§ Mistake 3: Overlooking the nuance in 'writing'
In English, 'to write' can sometimes imply authorship, like 'writing a book'. While かく (kaku) can be used for that, Japanese often has more specific verbs for different types of 'writing'.
執筆する (shippitsu suru): More formal, specifically for writing a literary work, an article, or a book.
小説を執筆する。(Shōsetsu o shippitsu suru.)
Hint: To write a novel (as an author).
記載する (kisai suru): To record, to state, to mention (usually in documents or official records).
書類に住所を記載する。(Shorui ni jūsho o kisai suru.)
Hint: To record an address on a document.
§ Mistake 4: Not knowing its various forms
Like all Japanese verbs, かく (kaku) changes its form depending on politeness level, tense, and function in a sentence. Beginners often stick to the dictionary form or the basic polite form (書きます - kakimasu) and miss out on crucial variations.
Past tense: 書いた (kaita)
昨日本を書いた。(Kinō hon o kaita.)
Hint: I wrote a book yesterday.
Te-form: 書いて (kaite) (Used for connecting clauses, requesting, etc.)
手紙を書いてください。(Tegami o kaite kudasai.)
Hint: Please write a letter.
Potential form: 書ける (kakeru) (Can write)
日本語で書けます。(Nihongo de kakemasu.)
Hint: I can write in Japanese.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to using かく (kaku) accurately and effectively in your Japanese conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and you'll get there!
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly at the end. It's often de-voiced.
Nível de dificuldade
short
short
short
short
O que aprender depois
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Exemplos por nível
その詩人は感情豊かな言葉で、読者の心に深く響く傑作を書き上げた。
The poet wrote a masterpiece with emotionally rich words that deeply resonated with readers.
書き上げた (kakiageta) implies completing the writing.
彼女は小説の最終章を書き終え、物語の結末に満足げな表情を浮かべた。
She finished writing the final chapter of her novel and had a satisfied expression about the story's ending.
書き終え (kaki-oe) means to finish writing.
歴史家は膨大な資料を基に、古代文明の謎を解き明かす論文を書き綴った。
Based on vast materials, the historian penned a thesis that unraveled the mysteries of ancient civilizations.
書き綴った (kakitsudutta) implies writing continuously or compiling.
彼は、人生の苦難を乗り越える人々の姿を題材に、心温まるエッセイを書き連ねた。
He strung together heartwarming essays on the theme of people overcoming life's hardships.
書き連ねた (kakitsuraneta) implies writing a series of things.
政治家は国民に向け、未来への希望を語るメッセージを書き記した。
The politician wrote down a message for the nation, speaking of hope for the future.
書き記した (kakishirushita) means to write down or record.
その芸術家は、内なる感情をキャンバスに自由に書きなぐった。
The artist freely scribbled their inner feelings onto the canvas.
書きなぐった (kakinagutta) implies scribbling or writing carelessly but freely.
彼は急いでメモ用紙にアイデアを書き留め、後で詳しく検討するつもりだった。
He quickly jotted down ideas on a notepad, intending to examine them in detail later.
書き留め (kakitome) means to jot down or make a note of.
作家は長い間温めていた構想を、ついに筆を執って書き始めた。
The writer finally picked up their pen and started writing the concept they had been developing for a long time.
書き始めた (kakihajimeta) means to start writing.
Padrões gramaticais
Padrões de frases
わたしは [thing] を かきます。
わたしは にっき を かきます。 (I write a diary.)
[person] は [thing] を かきます。
かれは てがみ を かきます。 (He writes a letter.)
わたしは [tool] で [thing] を かきます。
わたしは えんぴつ で え を かきます。 (I draw a picture with a pencil.)
[person] は [language] で [thing] を かきます。
かのじょは にほんご で メール を かきます。 (She writes an email in Japanese.)
[place] に [thing] を かきます。
ここに なまえ を かいてください。 (Please write your name here.)
[person] は [thing] を かきたがっています。
こどもは ほん を かきたがっています。 (The child wants to write a book.)
[thing] を かくことができます。
かんじ を かくことができますか。 (Can you write kanji?)
[thing] を かくのが すきです。
わたしは しょうせつ を かくのが すきです。 (I like writing novels.)
Teste-se 60 perguntas
Choose the correct hiragana for 'to write'.
かく (kaku) means 'to write'. たべる (taberu) means 'to eat'. みる (miru) means 'to see'. きく (kiku) means 'to listen/hear'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'かく' (kaku)?
「わたしは えを かきます。」(Watashi wa e o kakimasu.) means 'I draw a picture.' 'かく' is used for writing or drawing. The other sentences use verbs for 'eating', 'seeing', and 'listening'.
What is the te-form of かく (kaku)?
The te-form of かく (kaku) is かいて (kaite). This is a common irregular conjugation for verbs ending in -く.
The verb かく (kaku) can only be used for writing letters.
かく (kaku) can be used for writing letters, but also for drawing pictures (えを かく) and even for painting.
The past tense of かく (kaku) is かきました (kakimashita).
The polite past tense of かく (kaku) is かきました (kakimashita).
In Japanese, to say 'I write a book', you would say 'わたしは ほんを かきます' (Watashi wa hon o kakimasu).
This sentence correctly uses 'かく' (kaku) with 'ほん' (hon - book) to mean 'I write a book'.
Write a short sentence using 「かく」 (kaku) to say you write a letter.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
手紙をかく。
You want to say you write in a notebook. Write the Japanese sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ノートにかきます。
Write a simple sentence saying "I write Japanese."
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本語をかく。
What does the speaker do every day?
Read this passage:
私は毎日、日記をかきます。
What does the speaker do every day?
「日記をかきます」 (nikki o kakimasu) means 'write a diary'.
「日記をかきます」 (nikki o kakimasu) means 'write a diary'.
What does he like to do?
Read this passage:
彼は漢字をかくのが好きです。
What does he like to do?
「漢字をかくのが好きです」 (kanji o kaku no ga suki desu) means 'likes writing kanji'.
「漢字をかくのが好きです」 (kanji o kaku no ga suki desu) means 'likes writing kanji'.
What did she write?
Read this passage:
彼女は友達にメールをかきました。
What did she write?
「メールをかきました」 (meeru o kakimashita) means 'wrote an email'.
「メールをかきました」 (meeru o kakimashita) means 'wrote an email'.
This sentence means 'I write a letter.' In Japanese, the typical sentence structure is Subject-Object-Verb.
This sentence means 'He writes kanji.' '書きます' is the polite form of '書く'.
This sentence means 'I write a diary every day.' The subject 'I' is often omitted in Japanese when clear from context.
私は毎日、日記を＿＿＿。
The sentence means 'I ___ a diary every day.' The verb '書く' (kaku) means 'to write,' which fits the context of writing a diary.
手紙を＿＿＿ので、ペンを貸してください。
The sentence means 'I will ___ a letter, so please lend me a pen.' '書く' (kaku) meaning 'to write' is the appropriate verb for writing a letter.
ホワイトボードに名前を＿＿＿ください。
The sentence means 'Please ___ your name on the whiteboard.' '書く' (kaku) meaning 'to write' is the correct verb for this action.
レポートを＿＿＿のに時間がかかりました。
The sentence means 'It took time to ___ the report.' '書く' (kaku) meaning 'to write' is the most suitable verb for creating a report.
先生は黒板に漢字を＿＿＿。
The sentence means 'The teacher ___ kanji on the blackboard.' '書く' (kaku) meaning 'to write' is what a teacher would do with kanji on a blackboard.
宿題をノートに＿＿＿。
The sentence means '___ homework in the notebook.' '書く' (kaku) meaning 'to write' is the correct action for homework in a notebook.
This sentence means 'I write a letter.' In Japanese, the typical word order is Subject-Object-Verb.
This means 'She writes a diary every day.' The adverb '毎日' (every day) usually comes before the object.
This translates to 'He is good at writing kanji.' '～のが得意です' is a common phrase to express being good at something.
Listen for where and what is being written with a friend.
Listen for what kind of report was written and when.
Listen for what needs to be written and by when.
Read this aloud:
私は毎日、日本語のジャーナルを書いています。
Focus: ジャーナル (ja-a-na-ru)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
この漢字を書いてみてください。
Focus: 漢字 (kan-ji)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
先生にメールを書いて送りました。
Focus: 送りました (oku-ri-ma-shi-ta)
Você disse:
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This sentence means 'He wrote a letter.' The particle 'が' marks the subject, and 'を' marks the object.
This sentence means 'She is writing a novel every day.' 'は' marks the topic, and 'を' marks the object. '毎日' (every day) is an adverb.
This sentence means 'Please write your name here.' 'ここに' means 'here', '名前を' means 'name (object)', and '書いてください' is the polite request form of 'かく'.
小説を___のは、私にとって最高の気分転換です。
文脈から「小説を書く」が最も適切です。
彼は、日々の日記にその日の出来事を詳細に___いる。
「日記に出来事を書く」が自然な表現です。
報告書を___前に、必ず情報を確認してください。
「報告書を書く」が適切な文脈です。
この論文の結論を___のは、非常に骨の折れる作業だった。
「結論を書く」が自然な表現です。
子供の頃から、詩を___のが好きでした。
「詩を書く」が最も適切です。
手紙を___ときは、相手の気持ちを考えて丁寧にしましょう。
「手紙を書く」が正しい表現です。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は自分の考えを___ことで整理した。
The context implies expressing and organizing thoughts, for which '書き出す' (to write out) is the most fitting choice. '読み上げる' means to read aloud, '話し合う' means to discuss, and '考え込む' means to ponder, none of which fit the context of organizing thoughts by putting them down.
Which of the following is the most natural way to say 'I will write down the minutes of the meeting'?
'書き記す' (kakishirusu) means to write down or record. The other options mean 'to read,' 'to listen,' and 'to see,' respectively, which do not fit the context of creating meeting minutes.
Select the correct option to complete the sentence: 彼の小説は、現実と幻想が巧みに___れている。
'描き出す' (egakidasu) means to depict or portray, which is appropriate for describing how reality and fantasy are intertwined in a novel. The other options do not fit the context of literary creation.
The phrase '筆を取る' (fude wo toru) literally means 'to pick up a writing brush,' but figuratively means 'to start writing.'
While '筆を取る' literally translates to 'to pick up a brush,' it is a common idiom in Japanese meaning 'to begin writing,' especially in a formal or artistic context.
When someone '書を捨てて町に出よう' (sho wo sutete machi ni deyou), it means they are planning to abandon their studies and go out into the town.
'書を捨てて町に出よう' is a well-known saying that literally means 'Let's abandon books and go out to the town,' implying a decision to leave academic pursuits for more practical or worldly experiences.
The expression '言いたいことを書き連ねる' (iitai koto wo kakitsuraneru) means to summarize your thoughts concisely.
'書き連ねる' (kakitsuraneru) means to write down one after another, or to list exhaustively. Therefore, '言いたいことを書き連ねる' means to write down everything you want to say in detail, not to summarize concisely.
The novel sharply depicts contemporary social issues.
He is not good at honestly putting his feelings into words.
This painting expresses the artist's inner world.
Read this aloud:
このレポートでは、最新の研究成果が詳細に記述されています。
Focus: 記述 (kijutsu)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
歴史の教科書には、過去の出来事が客観的に書かれているべきだ。
Focus: 客観的に (kyakkan-teki ni)
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
彼のスピーチは、聴衆の心に深く刻み込まれた。
Focus: 刻み込まれた (kizami komareta)
Você disse:
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/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
手紙をかいています。
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