choose

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is せん, and the kun reading is えらぶ. It has 15 strokes and relates to choosing one option among several or referring to the choice itself.
• Basic usage: 選ぶ is read えらぶ, and 選択 is read せんたく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 選ぶ / 選択
  • 選ぶ means choose or select and is read えらぶ. It describes the act of choosing one item among alternatives.
  • 季節の野菜を三つ選んで、籠に入れた。 means “I selected three seasonal vegetables and put them in the basket.”
  • 選択 means choice or selection and is read せんたく. It refers to the resulting choice or the decision itself.
  • 進路の選択について家族と話し合った。 means “I discussed my career choice with my family.”