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Japanese Kanji Fun Trivia Quiz

This quiz does not require an understanding of the Japanese language, just a little creative thought. Since the exact translation often varies, I used "The Kodansha Kanji Learner's Dictionary" for uniformity.

A multiple-choice quiz by niigatajin. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
niigatajin

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
182,602

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
1671

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. In Japanese, the word 'Japan' is 'Nihon'. It is composed of two kanjis. The second kanji means 'origin'. What is the meaning of the first kanji? Hint

Truth

Life

Sun

Spirit

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. 'Ongaku' means 'music'. The first kanji means 'sound'. What is the meaning of the second kanji? Hint

Song

Fine

Human

Enjoyment

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. The word 'bicycle' in Japanese contains three kanjis. Which of the following kanji meanings will you not find in this word? Hint

Self

Vehicle

Turn

Two

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. Which color kanji meaning is used in the word for 'baby'? Hint

White

Blue

Red

Pink

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Which of the following kanji meanings are shared by the words 'telephone' and 'train' in Japanese? Hint

Modern

Fast

Far

Electricity

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. In Japan, 'hanabi' is a firework. The second kanji means 'fire'. What is the meaning of the first kanji? Hint

Enjoyment

Night

Flower

Power

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Which of the following words does not share a kanji with the other three? Hint

Student

World

Birth

Organism

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Which of the following words do not use the kanji meaning 'white'? Hint

Swan

Blank Ballot

Confession

Sugar

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. In the school system, which of the following kanji meanings is not used to indicate a school's level? Hint

Middle

High

Big

Low

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Which of the following kanji meanings is used to indicate the United States of America? (Hint: It's not what you think.) Hint

Distinguished

King

Middle

Rice

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In Japanese, the word 'Japan' is 'Nihon'. It is composed of two kanjis. The second kanji means 'origin'. What is the meaning of the first kanji?

Answer: Sun

So in other words, Japan means 'origin of the sun'. This is also the meaning behind the Japanese flag. The kanji for sun also is used for 'day', and it is the most commonly used kanji in Japanese.

2. 'Ongaku' means 'music'. The first kanji means 'sound'. What is the meaning of the second kanji?

Answer: Enjoyment

Alone this kanji can be used in the verb, 'tanoshimu', which means to 'enjoy (oneself)'. If you are having an enjoyable time, you can tell your Japanese friends, "Tanoshimi".

3. The word 'bicycle' in Japanese contains three kanjis. Which of the following kanji meanings will you not find in this word?

Answer: Two

'Bicycle' is written in this order: 'self', 'turn', 'vehicle'. It is pronounced 'jitensha'. Of special note, the Japanese have borrowed the word 'baiku', but the meaning has changed to 'motorbike' or 'motorcycle'.

4. Which color kanji meaning is used in the word for 'baby'?

Answer: Red

'Akachan' is what most people call a baby in Japan. 'Chan' is a common suffix added to girls' names. 'Kun' is often added to boys' names. However, both are called 'akachan' for a baby.

5. Which of the following kanji meanings are shared by the words 'telephone' and 'train' in Japanese?

Answer: Electricity

The two kanjis in the word 'telephone' mean 'electricity speak' and is pronounced 'denwa'. 'Densha' is the word for 'train'. The meanings of the two kanjis are 'electricity' and 'vehicle'.

6. In Japan, 'hanabi' is a firework. The second kanji means 'fire'. What is the meaning of the first kanji?

Answer: Flower

The meaning of 'hanabi' is 'flower fire'. Fireworks are popular in the summer and are often seen at the city festivals.

7. Which of the following words does not share a kanji with the other three?

Answer: World

This is a special kanji with many meanings. It is ranked 34th in language usage. Its usual meanings are 'life', 'be born', and 'student'. It is also used in the word 'sensei', referring to a teacher, doctor, and other people of certain occupations.

8. Which of the following words do not use the kanji meaning 'white'?

Answer: Sugar

The word for 'sugar' is composed of two kanjis, meaning 'sandy, granular' and 'sugar'. It is pronounced 'satou'.

9. In the school system, which of the following kanji meanings is not used to indicate a school's level?

Answer: Low

The kanji meaning 'middle' is used for junior high school. The kanji meaning 'high' indicates senior high school. The kanji meaning 'big' is used for university. For elementary school, the kanji meaning 'small' is used.

10. Which of the following kanji meanings is used to indicate the United States of America? (Hint: It's not what you think.)

Answer: Rice

A rather ironic kanji coming from a country of rice-eaters, but I believe that is linked mostly to the pronunciation. The 'distinguished country' is England. The 'middle country' is China. The 'king country' is Saudi Arabia. Hope you enjoyed my quiz.

Source: Author niigatajin

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor thejazzkickazz before going online.
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