For bookworms and literature enthusiasts, discussing books and literature in Japanese can be a delightful experience. In this blog post, we will explore common Japanese vocabulary for talking about books and literature. Let’s dive into the world of Japanese literature and enhance our reading conversations!
- Books and Reading:
- Hon (本) – Book
- Dokusho (読書) – Reading
- Bungaku (文学) – Literature
- Shoseki (書籍) – Publication or book
- Kanji (漢字) – Chinese characters used in Japanese writing
- Furigana (振り仮名) – Phonetic characters printed next to kanji to assist with reading
- Zasshi (雑誌) – Magazine
- Shiryou (資料) – Reference material or document
- Mokuroku (目録) – Catalog or index
- Zukei (図形) – Illustration or figure
- Genres and Types of Literature:
- Gensaku (原作) – Original work (e.g., novel, play, or poem)
- Shōsetsu (小説) – Novel
- Tanpen shōsetsu (短編小説) – Short story
- Eiga (映画) – Film or movie
- Bunka sakuhin (文芸作品) – Literary work
- Sakka (作家) – Author or writer
- Dōwa (童話) – Children’s story or fairy tale
- Jidō bungaku (児童文学) – Children’s literature
- Rekishi (歴史) – History
- Bīdī (ビーディー) – Poetry
- Literary Devices and Techniques:
- Monogatari (物語) – Story or narrative
- Kotoba (言葉) – Word or language
- Hyōgen (表現) – Expression or representation
- Shinario (シナリオ) – Scenario or script
- Hyōka (評価) – Evaluation or criticism
- Sakuhin (作品) – Work or piece (referring to a specific literary work)
- Gimon (疑問) – Question or query
- Ichimoku hyōron (一目評論) – Brief review or critique
- Henreki (変歴) – Anecdote or episode
- Kōdan (講談) – Traditional oral storytelling
- Authors and Literary Figures:
- Sakka (作家) – Author or writer
- Kaikyōka (開拓者) – Pioneer or trailblazer
- Bungakusha (文学者) – Literary figure or scholar
- Meijin (名人) – Master or expert
- Sakka meisaku (作家名作) – Masterpiece by an author
- Bungaku no densetsu (文学の伝説) – Literary legend
- Kanshū (鑑賞) – Appreciation or admiration
- Sakuhin shū (作品集) – Collection of works by an author
- Bungaku kōza (文学講座) – Literature course or lecture
- Bungaku baka (文学バカ) – Bookworm or literature enthusiast
- Book-related Terms:
- Taitoru (タイトル) – Title
- Tezuka (手塚) – Cover
- Sono yaku (その訳) – Translation or interpretation
- Bunkobon (文庫本) – Paperback book
- Tankōbon (単行本) – Hardcover book
- Yomikata (読み方) – Pronunciation or reading
- Kaisetsu (解説) – Commentary or explanation
- Kōza (講座) – Course or lecture series
- Nyūmonsho (入門書) – Introduction or beginner’s guide
- Shiori (栞) – Bookmark
Conclusion: By incorporating these Japanese vocabulary words into your book discussions and literary conversations, you’ll be able to explore the world of Japanese literature with greater depth and appreciation. Whether you’re talking about books and reading, genres and types of literature, literary devices and techniques, authors and literary figures, or book-related terms, this vocabulary will enrich your literary journey. So, pick up a book, immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese literature, and let your imagination soar!