5
文学

Literature


Meaning

Literature

Word Type

noun

Explanation

If you study writing, it's called literature. You'll get to study lots of things other people wrote before you!


Reading

ぶんがく

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since 文 has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use: All the great works of literature are about buns (ぶん). That's the subtle thread running through all literature: buns.


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • プロレタリア文学

    proletarian literature

    ミステリー文学

    mystery literature

  • 文学少年

    a boy who loves literature

    文学少女

    a girl who loves literature

    文学コース

    a literature course

  • 文学の一つ

    one genre of literature, one literary work

    文学の先生

    a literature teacher

Context Sentences

四月から文学のコースに入ります。

I'm starting a literature course in April.

イギリス文学とフランス文学を学びました。

I studied British literature and French literature.

この本は、今までの日本文学の中でも大作です。

This book is one of the greatest works of Japanese literature ever written.


Kanji Composition