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
Forget Apples! It's an Egg a Day That Keeps the Doc Away...
According to new research, it could actually be an egg a day that keeps the doctor away.Find out more here!
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.
6 Chemical Reactions that Changed the Course of History
Although we rarely pay much attention to the chemistry that constantly surrounds us, these 6 reactions changed history.
9 Reasons You Should Start Eating More Beans
Many people avoid eating beans regularly because they give them gas, but they're extremely healthy. Here are 9 benefits of the humble bean.
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.
10 Great Extra Uses for Charcoal Briquettes
Here's how you can put those extra charcoal briquettes to good use at home.
16 Useful Inventions That You Never Knew Your City Needs!
These cool and awesome inventions have been designed to make the world a much better and easier place.
More Seniors Should Wear Smartwatches, Here's Why
Smartwatches aren’t just for fitness enthusiasts; it can make for the perfect gift for seniors. Here’s why…
How to Make an Effective Cough Remedy Using an Orange!
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system, but did you know there is a way to make it an effective cough medicine?
7 Basic Winter Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These are the missteps you want to avoid when traveling in the winter.
11 Unhealthy Signs in Your Dog That You Shouldn't Ignore
If you're a dog owner, it is in your duty to be observant toward your dog's health. Here are the warning signs you should watch out for.
This Chinese Spoon Massage Will Keep Your Face Youthful!
When you want to look young, the face is the right place to start, and with the next home massage technique, it's never been easier!
Some Tips You Might Not Know About Whisky
If you're a lover of whisky and would like to know how best to drink it, the guide will cover everything you need to know!
Do You Store Your Eggs in the Door of Your Fridge? Don't!
If you store your eggs in the refrigerator door, you should stop. Here's why.
Salt Has Many More Uses & Benefits Than You Ever Imagined
Salt has been in use for thousands of years, and also happens to have thousands of uses. Here's a selection of them that you probably weren't aware of before.
8 Crucial Car Tips Everyone Should Know About
Learn 8 great car tips that are useful even after years of sitting behind a steering wheel!
Guide: How We Use Different Acids for Skin Treatments
Understanding how these acids work and their specific benefits will empower you to make informed decisions about your skincare routine.
Can't Fall Back Asleep? Try These 8 Genius Tricks
Do you wake up in the middle of the night? Thankfully, there are some natural remedies you can try, that will get you back to falling asleep quickly, making any unwelcome moments of wakefulness seem like nothing more than a fleeting dream.
These Construction Tips & Hacks Might Come in Handy
Knowing these construction tips and tricks might come in very handy someday!
Why You Shouldn’t Use Olive Oil To Fry Or Braise Food
Stovetop cooking is very versatile, but most people are disappointed with this cooking method because they make one of these 10 mistakes...
Have You Been Making These Toilet Paper Mistakes Too?
The next time you use toilet paper, avoid these mistakes.
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 Waking Up at 5.30am Will Change Your Life!
Find out how waking up at 5.30am will have a positive impact on your life.
14 Genius Cooking Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner!
Try these awesome cooking hacks today to make your life easier.
Here Is the Secret For Making the Perfect Hamburger
This video is for those of you who are hamburger enthusiasts and want to learn everything there is to know about making a savory burger.
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...
Insecure In a Social Situation? Here Are A Few Tricks
How to avoid being influenced by others? Or make sure somebody likes you? This video offers tricks to handling nearly any difficult social situation.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Away Your Lemon Peels
25 reasons why you should definitely keep your lemon peels.
Important: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure
This video will teach you one of the most important skills in the world - how to stay calm under pressure
Here Are the Top Ten Uses for Baking Soda
This video demonstrates how to use baking soda to solve a number of daily problems!
Baby Oil Can Do Things You Never Even Considered!
Baby oil is usually used to keep your baby's skin soft, but in the next article, you'll get ideas for six more effective and surprising ways to use it.
Maintain Your Brain: 15 Methods to Improve Brain Function
Like our muscles, the brain can also be strengthened and maintained in excellent condition, with proper practice. Learn 15 simple ways to train your brain today!
Sustainable Innovation: A 7-Seater Solar-Powered Bike
Now here is an example of sustainable innovation. This guy built a seven-seater solar bike bus from scrap.
What Are the Healthiest Cooking Oils? Find Out Here!
With so many oils available in shops nowadays, it's tricky to know which one to buy. This article gives you 9 of the healthiest oils on the market today,
This Weird Hack Will Keep Your Cookies Fresh for Days
Keep your cookies fresh for days with this unbelievable, weird hack.
Never Put Your Phone in These 8 Common Places!
If you care about your cell phone and your health, then make sure you never leave your device in any of these places.
You Wouldn't Believe All That You Can Do with a Bobby Pin
You'll be surprised at how much you can truly do with a simple bobby pin! Take a look:
Say Goodbye to Dreaded Wrinkles with These Fantastic Tips
Nobody, and we mean nobody, likes wrinkles. To prevent and treat wrinkles, follow these tips.
Have Some Tennis Balls? Do Something Useful With Them!
We will teach you how to convert tennis balls into a massage tool for sore muscles, a hidden safe for valuables, an effective cleaning tool, and more.
Get Wax Out of Your Clothes Easily with This Guide
If you've got wax stuck on your fabrics, this is the best way to go about removing it.
10 Neat Kitchen Tricks and Hacks Every Cook Must Know
Neat tricks to help around the kitchen
Reaching age 112: People Share Their Long Living Secrets
10 of the oldest people on earth would like to share their secret...
16 Heaven-Scent Plants That’ll Make Your Home Smell Divine
This article contains a list of 16 divinely-smelling plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
If You Defrost Your Meat Like This, Stop Right Now!
Here are eight common defrosting mistakes that you really need to stop making right now!
DO NOT Make These Mistakes When Frying an Egg
For a quick lesson in frying an egg, just watch this vidoe guide.
Professional Chefs Swear by These Clever Cooking Hacks
We can all probably agree that one cannot possibly know too many cooking hacks, as these clever little hints always help us save precious time!