Words in Kanji vs. hiragana?

[MichaelMcDonald]

Hi,

As I continue studying Japanese on my own with multiple textbooks plus this site, I've noticed several situations where words are spelled in hiragana in some places and kanji in others. I'm wondering if there is any rule behind this or is it simply personal preference, convention, etc? I haven't been keeping track of them, so it's difficult to give concrete examples, but here's one:

- kudasai - I've seen it as ください　and 下さい. Is one to be preferred over the other, or is there some nuance here?

I realize textbooks often hold back on kanji and only introduce a few at a time, but I'm also using the all-Japanese 新文化初級日本語　１＆２ (Shin bunka shokyuu nihongo - with kanji used throughout with furigana), and I've noticed the same thing.


p.s. The only time I've seen anything like this mentioned anywhere was in an explanation that kimasu is spelled in hiragana (instead of 来ます) when acting as a helping verb.

[Psy]

A lot of it comes down to preference, but as a rule all auxiliary verbs are written in kana only.

[WalterWills]

There are lots of word like this..Apart from the types of verbs which Psy mentioned, I doubt anyone will be able to give you a definitive list.

For example, I was told that 沢山　（たくさん） is usually only spelt with Hiragana, but there are times when I see the Kanji too.

[JonB]

what amazes me is where hiragana could be used rather than a very complciated kanji yet the kanji is used.

I have only seen 下さい on signs - and usualy signs telling you not do do something like please don't walk on the grass etc. Don't know if that is significant

[Psy]

I am reminded of this thread.

I think difficult kanji has a bit of a snob appeal to it in Japanese society, so to be elitist you try to use that stuff wherever you can. (Ha ha, look at me-- what, you mean you don't know that one?? You must be poorly educated!) My latest run-in with such a word was 真鍮, though 完璧 and 蓋 are other common examples. Granted it gives me the ability to improve my reading, but it surely isn't making the job easier.

[MichaelMcDonald]

Thanks for the answers so far.

Sorry I missed that earlier thread about ください.

Here's another one: いっしょに vs. 一緒に? Are both used?

[Psy]

Yup. Rather commonly, at that.