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
Wow! This Made Me Want to Visit Japan
If Japan isn't on your travel list yet, it surely will be once you learn these cool facts!
5 Extremely Healthy Food Combos You Should All Know About...
When paired together, certain foods can be a lot healthier than if they are eaten on their own. Here are 5 extremely healthy food combinations.
Conspiracy Theories - A Few Fascinating Things to Consider
Conspiracy theories are easy to dismiss, but they are a normal and interesting part of human psychology. Learn 6 facts on conspiracy theories here.
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.
8 Little-Known Jobs That Keep the Movie Industry Going
We all know actors, directors and screenwriters, but these are the people that take care of the details, without which movies just wouldn't be that good
Who Are the Americans That Live in North Korea?
Considering North Korea's secrecy and animosity towards the US, it's surprising to learn that 200 Americans live in the Hermit Kingdom... Who are these people?
These Common Mistakes Can Ruin Your Floors and Carpets!
In this article, we tackle 12 common floor and carpet cleaning mistakes most of us are guilty of and explain what to do instead.
If You Value Your Health, Wash These 9 Foods Well
Are you washing these 9 foods correctly? Probably not!
10 Amazing Beauty Uses for Banana Peels
Everyone knows that bananas are great for your health, but not many people know that the peel can be beneficial too and should be added to your beauty regime.
I Bet You Never Realized How Useful Coffee Grounds Can Be!
Hold it! Don't throw away those old coffee grounds of yours - they have more uses than you can imagine. Read this post for 19 ways to use old coffee grounds.
The Next Time You Travel, Use These Hotel Hacks
All set for your new trip? Make sure you keep these hotel-room hacks in mind.
We All Have Aspirin - And Here Are 9 Things to Use It For
Aspirin is about as pedestrian a pill as you can think of - or so you might think! In reality it has loads of surprising uses. Here are 9 of the best.
Granny Always Knows the Answer to Life's Problems
Life is full of little problems. So that's why you need to ask your granny for the answers.
11 Things Bleach Can Do For You. #5 is Especially Helpful!
If you think that bleach is only good for bleaching - think again! This stuff is more helpful than you think.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Coffee...
Is coffee healthy? Is it addictive? Is there any way to reuse coffee grounds? Find the answer these question in this coffee themed collection
Loop, Knot, Drape: Fall Scarf Tying 101
This lovely woman demonstrates the better versions of how to wear a scarf, what not to do and how to easily make beautiful fashion choices.
Worried About Rodents? 5 Signs You Have an Infestation
If you are unsure whether or not rats or mice have made a nest in your home, then the warning signs below are bound to give you a good indication.
8 Best 'Cheesy' Tips For Your Home Cheese!
Cheese is a must in any kitchen, but did you know these eight cheese life hacks?
20 Incredibly Useful Matchbox Tips from a Century Ago
Did you know that matchboxes used to contain a bit of handy advice? Here are 20 tips from our ancestors.
12 Myths We've Been Told About Intercourse that Aren't True
It's time to expose some of the myths we've all been told but are actually boldfaced lies.
What an Amazing Laundry Whitening Solution This Is!
It's always hard to get stains from white fabrics, isn't it? Not any more! Check out this brilliant whitening solution for your laundry you can make at home!
The Perfect Morning Guide: How to Start Your Morning Right
Are your co-workers not allowed to talk to you before you’ve had a cup of coffee? You probably need to change up your morning routine!
Can't Seem to Find a Good Pillow? This May Be Your One
You may be on the verge of settling for a pillow that is less than optimal for you, but we can suggest an alternative - buckwheat pillows.
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
9 Facts You Didn’t Know About In-Flight Food And Drinks
Airplane food is notorious, but since we don't have any other options, the following 9 tips will make the culinary experience that much more enjoyable.
16 Survival Gadgets for Any Emergency Situation
These cool gadgets can be extremely useful in any emergency situation.
14 Common Plants That Are Toxic for Your Pets
Did you realize that many of the plants in our environment are toxic for your pets? Find out which here. If you noticed that your pet has consumed any of these plants, contact your local veterinarian or Animal Poison Control center immediately.
8 Best Ways to Handle Those Who Constantly Pull You Down
Here are some tips on how to get around people who constantly put you down.
LIFE HACKS: 30 Practical Uses for Olive Oil!
3o things you can use olive oil for other than cooking with it.
20 Gardening Tips That'll Turn Your Thumb Green
This video will help you grow just about anything.
9 Ingenious Q-Tip Hacks for Surprising Daily Uses
We bet you never thought cotton swabs could be so handy around the house!
14 Tips to Give Tired Old Furniture a New Lease On Life
Have you got a pieces of furniture or fixtures and fittings that are looking tired? Try these 14 tips to give them added longevity and a new lease of life.
These Life-Changing Tricks Will Make Your Scalp Less Oily
We will show you how to make your hair produce less oil and give handy tips and DIY tricks that can help reduce the appearance of oily hair
DIY Body Oils: Nourish Skin with These 6 EASY Recipes
Nourish your skin with these amazing homemade body oils.
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.
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.
The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make With Their Wills
Make sure your heirs get what you want them to get by not making these mistakes.
This Is Why You Should Never Throw Away Your Lemon Peels
25 reasons why you should definitely keep your lemon peels.
Make Home-Made, Special Treats for Your Dog or Cat
Want to make sure your pet gets the healthiest treats without ant preservatives? Use these recipes to make your own treats. Your pet will thank you for it!
How to Start a Garden on a Windowsill
No green thumb is needed for this simple gardening project.
How Many Times You Can Wear Clothes Before Washing Them
Are you re-wearing your clothes more often than you should? Follow this guide.
Save Money with These 15 Great Fuel Economy Tips
These 15 great tips will help improve your fuel economy, saving you money in the process.
13 Ways to Make Your Shoes More Comfortable
These tips will help you adjust your shoes to your feet, and even enhance them to prevent issues like wetness, squeaking, wrinkling, or pain.
15 Tricks Restaurants Don't Want You to Know About
Ever go into a restaurant planning to stay in budget, only to find out that by the end of the night, you've gone way above it? Now you'll know why.
If Only I Had Discovered these Cleaning Tips Sooner
10 not-so-obvious tips about cleaning that are both surprising, yet very effective.
Be Warned that These Plants May Kill You
If you've got these plants around the house be careful as they are deadly!
If You Love Dogs, Then Avoid Doing These Things With Them
Even though you love your dog, you might be annoying it with some of your habits. Watch to find out more...