気を遣う versus 気を使う


It seems from my JLPT study books, and also my computer's IME, that
`気{き}を遣{つか}う` is the preferred kanji for "paying attention to, having concern
for".

However, I noticed that [on Space ALC if you look up
`気{き}を遣{つか}う`](http://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%E6%B0%97%E3%82%92%E9%81%A3%E3%81%86),
it redirects you to `気{き}を使{つか}う`, which, according to both it and
[Rikaichan](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=rikaichan&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CFsQFjAA&url=http://www.polarcloud.com/rikaichan&ei=cPuoT-
rOJcbumAWQyenTBQ&usg=AFQjCNEMQQf1KETrN0kgPF-otz6iZiZLcA&cad=rja), means the
exact same thing.

Is there any difference? It seems `気{き}を遣{つか}う` is more common, but can that
be confirmed?




Generally people don't make a distinction, but technically, 使う and 遣う have
slightly different nuances. 使う just means "to use" whereas the 漢字 for 遣う is
also seen in 遣る(やる), like in words such as 思いやり. So, 気を使う is to use ones 気,
(closer to "pay attention") and 気を遣う is more to "direct" ones 気 to somebody
else (have concern for somebody). The reason 気を遣う is more common is because it
emphasizes the act of having concern for others more.




Generally people don't make a distinction, but technically, 使う and 遣う have
slightly different nuances. 使う just means "to use" whereas the 漢字 for 遣う is
also seen in 遣る(やる), like in words such as 思いやり. So, 気を使う is to use ones 気,
(closer to "pay attention") and 気を遣う is more to "direct" ones 気 to somebody
else (have concern for somebody). The reason 気を遣う is more common is because it
emphasizes the act of having concern for others more.

