How does the Korean alphabet differ from Chinese? Is Japanese written with Chinese characters? To many Westerners, it’s impossible to distinguish between the three languages on paper. However, after reading this post, you should have no issues telling Chinese, Japanese, and Korean apart.
The Scripts
When it comes to computers, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are usually grouped together under the acronym CJK, and for good reason.
While they’re linguistically unrelated, all three can be written both vertically and horizontally, and all three use Chinese characters - hànzì in Chinese, kanji in Japanese, and hanja in Korean – which is one of the main reasons for the confusion.
Let’s take a look at the difference between Chinese, Japanese, and Korean and see if we can tell them apart without having to learn any of the languages.
The Chinese language is the only one which entirely relies on this script, and even then, at least two different versions are in active use all over the world; traditional and simplified.
Below is the first sentence of the Wikipedia article on the color orange in hànzì:
橙色,又稱橘色,為二次顏料色,是红色与黄色的混合,得名于橙的颜色。
Note how most of the Chinese characters are very dense and square. Chinese characters are the oldest continuously-used systems of writing in the world, so don’t be surprised if you come across handwritten texts which at first sight don’t resemble the above example.
Moving to Japanese, this language has the largest number of official scripts in the world.
Kanji – Chinese characters – are used for most words of Chinese and Japanese origins. Hiragana, the curvy, feminine script, was originally used by women, but it’s now the main building block of the Japanese language – employed for both grammar and vocabulary.
Katakana, the manly, more angular script, is used mainly for loan words, onomatopoeia, and transliteration of foreign words. Finally, romaji, the familiar Latin script used in English and other Western languages, can be found everywhere, from product packaging to company names.
Below is the Wikipedia description of the color orange, employing katakana, kanji, and hiragana, all in the same sentence.
オレンジ色は、果物のオレンジの実のような色。また、夕日に染まる茜雲のような色。
As you can see, due to the use of katakana and hiragana, Japanese is slightly more airy and spacious than Chinese. As a general rule, unlike Chinese and Korean, Japanese also doesn’t use any form of question or exclamation marks, but you might still meet them in some situations.
The Korean language, in the mid-15th century, transitioned to hangul – the only script in the world made by an individual, for which the theory and motives behind its creation have been fully set out and explained.
It’s known as one of the most scientific writing systems in the world, and is neither based on ancient written languages, nor an imitation of another set of characters.
In South Korea, you can still meet hanja – Chinese characters – every once in a while, but the script is quickly becoming obsolete.
주황(Orange)은 색 중 하나이다. 이 색은 빨강과 노랑의 중간색이며.
Take note of the many circular shapes used in hangul – these are almost non-existent in the other two languages, thus making the script easy to recognize. Furthermore, unlike Chinese and Japanese, Korean has completely adopted European punctuation marks, from commas to question marks, and space-delimits words and sentences.
Source: lingualift
Images: depositphotos
How Is It MADE? - Drinking Glasses
We all use drinking glasses every day, but not many know about the precision, skill, and scientific process behind making them.
The Odd History of Ouija Boards
How did this ‘mystical’ board game become so prominent in popular culture? The history of ouija boards may surprise you.
Why Do People In Big Cities Walk FASTER?
It's been proven that people who live in big, densely populated cities tend to walk faster than those who live in smaller towns. The question is why?
This Fascinating Tree Shows How Languages Are Connected
Most of the languages that we speak today can be placed into a couple of groups by their origin. Find out more here.
Can Your Birth Month Influence the Course of Your Life?
This video reveals a few interesting (and non astrology related) ways in which the month you were born might influence the course of your life...
Sun Poisoning vs. Sunburn - The Important Differences
Now that the hot months are almost here, it's important to know how to tell sun poisoning from an ordinary sunburn.
Experience the Beauty Benefits of Palo Santo Oil: DIY Tips
Find out the amazing beauty benefits of Palo Santo essential oil for your skin and hair.
Bacteria Time Bomb! 10 Household Items That Need Changing
You wouldn't believe the amount of harmful bacteria these common household items store, and what what a short lifespan they actually have!
10 Cleaning Hacks to Render Your Home Spotless & Germ Free
With both spring cleaning and the need of disinfection in mind, we present to you 10 clever, but a tad unexpected cleaning hacks
7 Easy, Low-Carb and Guilt-Free Pasta Recipes
Pasta is one of the most popular dishes in the world, and rightfully so – it’s easy to make, delicious, and the sauce options are numerous. Enjoy these 7 recipes that will make your cuisine dreams a reality.
WATCH: Grow Your Very Own Tomatoes Using This Method
Watch this video to learn how to grow your very own luscious and juicy tomatoes from the comfort of your own home.
Make Cleaning Windows Less Tedious with This DIY Recipe
There is a quicker and more effective way to clean the windows in your house. Take a look at these two methods.
Do You Know All 22 Unique Ways to Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is amazing - Baking soda can help clean grease off floors, freshen your breath, and even relieve insect bites!
17 Organizing Hacks You Will Actually Use
Get more organized at home with these effective and cheap organization hacks.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep a Bar Soap for More Than 2 Years
The following 10 personal hygiene products all expire sooner than you’d think and you must replace them regularly
8 Ways to Remove Sweat Stains from Clothes
To help you out, this article will cover what sweat is, how to prevent stains, and how to remove any existing ones.
Struggling to Wake Up Early? Here are 8 Habits to Avoid
Do you do any of these bad habits in the mornings?
7 Fantastic Ways to Use Tea Bags in Your Garden
Before you dump your tea bags you should be aware that they can come in handy in the garden. Here are 7 great ways you can use tea bags in your garden.
After Watching This, You'll Stop Pouring Fat Down the Sink
Pouring grease down your drain can do real damage to your pipes and the sewer system. Here's what you need to know.
Catch an Attacker Off-Guard with These Self Defense Moves
Learn a few simple moves and catch your attacker off guard with this simple guide.
Bored of the Outlet Covers? Here's How to Paint Them Well
In this article, we'll learn how to paint and wallpaper plastic or metal outlet covers effectively and professionally.
Stunning! The Evolution of Beauty From 1952 to Today
Our definition of beauty may change as years go by but these pictures prove that true beauty is timeless.
10 Smart Ways to Neutralize Any and All Shoe Odors
To combat shoe smells, we've compiled a list of 10 simple solutions that are readily available in most households.
The Best Time of Day to Eat Healthy Foods!
In this article we have outlined the best time of the day to indulge in some of your favorite foodstuffs.
10 of the Fastest-Growing Vegetables
There is a variety of fast-growing vegetables, including legumes, leafy greens, and root vegetables. We feature 10 of the fastest-growing veggies in this article.
10 Signs You Have a High Level of Intelligence
If you find yourself relating to these characteristics, it is possible that you possess an exceptional level of intelligence...
What Is Your Learning Style? This Chart Explains
What is your learning style? Identify your learning style with this chart.
9 Foods that Directly Affect Our Body Odor
In this article, you can find details about six ingredients that can make your body odor unpleasant, and three more that bring out a nice scent.
These Remedies That Get Rid of Facial Hair Actually Work
Got excess facial hair? Here are 7 natural remedies to remove it.
This Bizarre Soap Trick Can Alleviate Leg Pain
Did you know that placing a bar of soap under a bed sheet can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms? Learn more about this odd trick.
Shocking Bathroom Items That SHOULDN'T Be in the Bathroom
Bathrooms get so damp and humid, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. And here are 8 surprising things we need to keep out of the bathroom.
10 Neat Kitchen Tricks and Hacks Every Cook Must Know
Neat tricks to help around the kitchen
Guide: How to Make a Tasty Fruit Salad In No Time at All...
This video will show you how to quickly chop fruit for those delicious and fresh fruit salads.
6 Great Benefits of Waking Up Early
Do you promise yourself that you'll wake up early the next day, but at the moment of truth you hit the snooze button? Stop this with these 11 tips!
12 Indoor Gardening Hacks You Must Know
Even if you can’t say about yourself that you have a green thumb, you can try yourself with indoor gardening, and these 12 tips will help
Shoe Discomfort? 10 Ways to Tie Your Shoes that Offer Relief
By lacing your shoes correctly, you can reduce pressure on certain areas of your feet and enjoy a more comfortable run in any pair of shoes
Struggling with Sleep? These YouTube Channels Can Help
The next time you struggle with sleep, try these YouTube channels.
Manage Stress in Your 50s with These Meditation Techniques
Manage stress in your 50s with these meditation styles.
The Ownership Effect: Have YOU Fallen Prey to It?
An article about the ownership effect, a psychological effect that causes us to overvalue the things we've owned.
The Essential Cheat Sheet for Every Fashionista
Everyone will be able to get something useful from these fashion and clothing care infographics.
These YouTube Channels Are a Delight for Senior Citizens
Discover the best YouTube channels for seniors that offer a plethora of engaging and entertaining content.
Did You Know? Your Pillow Might Be Ruining Your Sleep
Your pillow could affecting your sleep. This article will give advice on when to change your pillow, the best sized pillow and tips for buying a new pillow.
How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping
Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic
There's a Reason Our Grandmothers Stored Bacon Fat
What are the uses for bacon fat? You'll be surprised what you can do with it.
These Tricks Have Helped Me Become Smart About Cleaning
12 tips and tricks to clean your house and maintain your furniture and appliances with ease
Kitchen Tips: How Long You Can Keep Leftovers?
It’s crucial to know how long different leftover foods can last in your fridge, and when it’s time to part ways with them for your own safety and health
Paper Towels Can Do Much More Than Just Mop Up Spills
We all think that paper towels are just for mopping up spills, but it turns out they have many uses you wouldn't expect. Take a look at them here!