Nuance & Usage
書く is used for writing text (letters, essays, notes) and can also mean to draw or paint when written as 描く (same reading かく but different kanji). Common expressions: 名前を書く (write one's name), 手紙を書く (write a letter), 漢字を書く (write kanji). The て-form is 書いて (kaite). In formal/business contexts, 記入する (kinyuu suru — to fill in) is often preferred for forms and documents.
Common Mistakes
The て-form of 書く is 書いて (kaite), following the く→いて pattern for godan verbs. Beginners sometimes incorrectly produce 書きて. Also, don't confuse 書く (to write text) with 描く (to draw/paint) — same reading かく but different kanji. In conversation, context clarifies, but in writing, using the correct kanji matters.
Example Sentences (3)
ここに名前を書いてください。
ここになまえをかいてください。
Please write your name here.
日本語で作文を書きました。
にほんごでさくぶんをかきました。
I wrote an essay in Japanese.
友達に手紙を書くのが好きです。
ともだちにてがみをかくのがすきです。
I like writing letters to my friends.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 書く with 4 different question types.
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