At the A1 level, you only need to know that 著者 (chosha) means 'the person who wrote a book.' You might see this word on a book cover or a website. It is helpful to recognize it so you can find who wrote something. Think of it as a label for a person, like 'teacher' or 'doctor.' You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Just remember: 著者 = Author. When you see a name next to this word, that is the person who created the book. It is a very formal way to say 'writer.' In simple Japanese, you can say '本を書いた人' (hon o kaita hito), but 著者 is the official word. For example, if you are looking at a picture book, the 著者 is the person who wrote the story. It is a good word to learn early because it appears on almost every book you will ever see in Japan. Don't worry about the kanji too much yet, just try to recognize the shape of the word and its basic meaning. It is one of those 'identification' words that helps you navigate a bookstore or a library even if you don't know much else. If someone asks 'Who is the author?', they will say 'Chosha wa dare desu ka?'. Knowing this one word helps you understand the whole question.
At the A2 level, you can start using 著者 (chosha) in basic sentences to describe who wrote a book or to ask for information. You should understand that 著者 is a noun and is usually connected to a book title using the particle の. For example, 'Natsume Soseki no chosha' (The author Natsume Soseki - though usually we say 'Soseki no hon'). More accurately, you would say 'Kono hon no chosha' (The author of this book). You can now use it in simple structures like 'Chosha wa dare desu ka?' (Who is the author?) or 'Chosha no namae o oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me the author's name). You are beginning to see the difference between 著者 and simple words like 'hito' (person). 著者 is more professional. You might see it on social media when someone shares a book they like. It is also common in elementary school settings when talking about famous writers. You should be able to recognize the kanji 著者 now. The first part 著 means 'to write' and the second part 者 means 'person.' This 'person' kanji is also in words like 医者 (isha, doctor) and 読者 (dokusha, reader). Learning these patterns helps you remember the word. You are starting to understand that 著者 is used for books and articles, not for movies or music. This is a great step toward more natural Japanese usage.
At the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of 著者 (chosha) and be able to use it in more varied contexts. You understand that 著者 specifically refers to the creator of a formal written work, such as a book, a research paper, or a professional article. You can now distinguish 著者 from similar words like 作家 (sakka, novelist/writer) and 筆者 (hissha, the writer of the current text). You know that 著者 is the objective, formal term. For instance, in a discussion about a book's themes, you might say 'Chosha no kangae wa...' (The author's thought is...). You are also becoming familiar with compound words like 著者名 (chosha-mei, author's name) and 著者近影 (chosha-kin'ei, author's photo). Your grammar is becoming more sophisticated, allowing you to use 著者 in sentences like 'Kono chosha wa wakaku shite ninki ga deta' (This author became popular at a young age). You also understand the cultural significance of authors in Japan, where they are often highly respected and referred to with the title 'Sensei.' However, you know that in a formal bibliography or a news report, 著者 is the standard, neutral term. You can use it to talk about copyright or the publication process, showing that you are moving beyond basic survival Japanese into more professional and academic spheres. This word is essential for anyone who wants to read Japanese literature or news.
At the B2 level, your use of 著者 (chosha) should be nuanced and precise. You understand that this word is primarily used for identifying authorship in a formal, legal, or academic sense. You are comfortable using it in complex sentence structures, such as passive voice or causative-passive. For example, 'Chosha wa sono shuchō o hitei saserareta' (The author was made to deny that claim). You also recognize that 著者 is the appropriate term when discussing intellectual property rights (著作権, chosakuken). You can distinguish between 著者 (the creator) and 著作権者 (the copyright holder), who might be a publishing company. In academic writing, you know that 著者 is the term used for citations, and you can handle multi-author situations using terms like 共著者 (kyō-chosha, co-author) or 第一著者 (dai-ichi chosha, lead author). You are also aware of the stylistic choice between 著者 and 筆者; you know that 筆者 is used by the author to refer to themselves as a rhetorical device to maintain a degree of distance and humility. You can participate in sophisticated discussions about literature where you might analyze the 'intent of the author' (著者の意図, chosha no ito). Your vocabulary is large enough to know related terms like 原著者 (gen-chosha, original author) when discussing translations. At this level, 著者 is not just a word for 'writer' but a specific legal and functional category in the world of publishing and academia.
At the C1 level, you use 著者 (chosha) with the sophistication of a native speaker. You are fully aware of the sociolinguistic implications of the word. You understand that while 著者 is the standard term for an author, the way it is used can signal the register of a conversation or text. For example, you might analyze how the term 著者 disappears in certain post-modern literary critiques in favor of 'tekusuto' (text) or 'gensetsu' (discourse). You can use 著者 in high-level academic discussions regarding the 'Death of the Author' (著者の死) and other literary theories. You are also proficient in the technical language of the publishing industry, using 著者 in the context of 'chosha-kō' (author's proof) or 'chosha-ken-shingai' (copyright infringement). You can navigate complex legal documents where the rights and responsibilities of the 著者 are detailed. Furthermore, you understand the subtle honorifics associated with the word; while 著者 itself is neutral, you know how to wrap it in polite language when speaking to or about a prestigious author, perhaps using 'chosha no sensei' or 'chosha-dono' in very formal, archaic, or specific professional contexts. You can write critical reviews where you evaluate the 著者's style (文体, buntai) and their contribution to a specific genre. Your understanding of the word is deep enough to appreciate puns or wordplay involving the kanji 著 in literary contexts. At this level, the word is a tool for deep cultural and professional engagement.
At the C2 level, your command of 著者 (chosha) is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, including those in specialized fields like law, literature, or publishing. You have a comprehensive understanding of the word's historical evolution and its place within the broader system of Japanese honorifics and professional terminology. You can discuss the nuances between 著者, 著述家, and 筆録者 (hitsurokusha, person who records/transcribes) in historical documents. You are capable of drafting formal contracts or academic prefaces where the role of the 著者 is defined with absolute precision. You understand the philosophical debates surrounding authorship in the age of AI and can use 著者 to discuss whether a machine can truly be considered an author under Japanese law. Your grasp of the word extends to its most obscure uses in classical literature or specialized legal jargon. You can effortlessly switch between 著者 and more creative or archaic terms depending on the audience and purpose of your communication. You are also aware of the regional or historical variations in how authors have been titled in Japan. For you, 著者 is a fundamental concept that you can manipulate with ease to express complex ideas about creativity, ownership, and the transmission of knowledge. You can critique the way the term is used in the media or in academic citations, suggesting improvements or identifying subtle biases. Your mastery is total, encompassing every possible connotation and application of the word.

著者 30초 만에

  • 著者 (chosha) specifically refers to the formal author of a book or paper.
  • It is more formal and functional than 作家 (sakka), which implies a creative profession.
  • Commonly found on book covers, library catalogs, and in academic citations.
  • The kanji literally mean 'publishing person,' highlighting the act of making work public.
The Japanese word 著者 (ちょしゃ, chosha) is a formal and specific term used to identify the individual responsible for creating a written work, most commonly a book, academic paper, or formal article. While the English word 'author' covers a broad spectrum of meanings, 著者 in Japanese is strictly functional and objective. It is the label you find on the cover of a published volume, in a library database, or within a bibliography. Unlike the word 作家 (sakka), which carries a nuance of 'creative artist' or 'professional novelist,' 著者 focuses on the act of authorship itself. If you write a textbook on mathematics, you are the 著者. If you write a series of fantasy novels and have built a career around your creative storytelling, you are both a 著者 and a 作家. However, in legal and formal contexts, 著者 is the preferred term because it clearly denotes the holder of moral and intellectual rights over the text.
Etymology
The first kanji 著 (cho) means 'to write' or 'to publish,' while the second kanji 者 (sha) means 'person.' Together, they signify 'the person who publishes.'
Usage Context
Commonly used in publishing, academia, and news reporting when referring to the creator of a specific document.
In everyday life, you might use this word when discussing a book you've read or when looking for a specific writer in a bookstore. It is important to note that 著者 is rarely used by a writer to refer to themselves in the first person during a casual conversation. Instead, in the text they have written, they might use 筆者 (hissha), which literally means 'the brush-person' or 'the writer of this current piece.'

その本の著者は、有名な科学者です。

This sentence translates to 'The author of that book is a famous scientist.' Here, 著者 identifies the role of the scientist in relation to the book. Understanding the distinction between 著者 and other 'writer' words is key to achieving B1 level fluency. For example, a journalist is a 記者 (kisha), and a copywriter is a コピーライター (kopiiraitaa). Use 著者 when you want to sound professional and precise about who authored a book or a formal document.

この論文の著者に連絡を取りたいです。

This means 'I want to contact the author of this paper.' It shows the word's utility in research contexts.
Synonym Check
Compared to 筆者 (hissha), 著者 is more external. You use 著者 to talk about someone else's role as an author, whereas 筆者 is often how an author refers to themselves within their own text.
Finally, remember that 著者 is a noun, but it can be part of compound words like 著者近影 (chosha kin'ei), which refers to a 'recent photo of the author' often found on the dust jacket of a book.
Using 著者 (chosha) correctly requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure and the appropriate level of formality. Since 著者 is a noun, it typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, or it modifies another noun using the particle の (no). For example, 著者の名前 (chosha no namae) means 'the author's name.' This is the most common way to link an author to their attributes or actions. When you want to say 'written by [Author],' you often use the pattern '[Author] による' (ni yoru) followed by the work, but when identifying the person, you say '[Work] の著者は [Person] です.'

この小説の著者は誰ですか?

This is a standard B1 level question meaning 'Who is the author of this novel?' Note how の connects the work to the role.
Grammar Pattern 1
[Work] + の + 著者: The author of [Work]. This is the most versatile pattern for identifying authorship.
Grammar Pattern 2
著者 + 自ら (mizukara): The author themselves. Used when the author performs an action personally, like signing a book.
In more advanced contexts, you might see 著者 used with passive verbs to describe how an author is perceived. For instance, 'The author is highly respected' would be 著者は高く評価されている (Chosha wa takaku hyōka sarete iru). Another common structure involves 著者 as part of a list of credits. In a magazine, you might see 著者: [Name], 撮影: [Photographer]. This is a very standard way to attribute work.

著者のサイン会が来週行われます。

This means 'The author's signing event will be held next week.' Here, 著者 acts as a modifier for the event.
Common Verb Pairings
著者を探す (To look for the author), 著者に会う (To meet the author), 著者を務める (To serve as the author/lead writer).
When writing about literature, you should avoid using the author's name repeatedly. Instead, after introducing them, you can refer to them as 著者 or 同著者 (dō-chosha, 'the same author') to keep the writing professional and cohesive. This is a hallmark of N3/N2 level writing in Japanese.

彼はそのシリーズの全巻の著者だ。

This translates to 'He is the author of all the volumes in that series.' The use of 著者 here is definitive and formal.
You will encounter the word 著者 (chosha) in a variety of real-world Japanese environments, ranging from physical locations like bookstores to digital spaces like online libraries. In a physical bookstore (本屋, hon'ya), the shelves are often organized by genre and then by 著者名 (chosha-mei, author name). If you cannot find a book, you might ask the clerk, '著者の名前で検索できますか?' (Can I search by the author's name?).

図書館で著者別に本が並んでいます。

This means 'Books are arranged by author in the library.' This is a very common phrase you might hear from a librarian.
News & Media
On news programs or talk shows, when a book becomes a bestseller, the host will introduce the guest as 'ベストセラーの著者' (the author of the bestseller).
Academic Settings
In universities, professors will frequently use 著者 when discussing primary sources or assigned readings. 'この著者の主張は...' (The author's claim is...).
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Note (a popular Japanese blogging site), people often use 著者 in their profiles to describe themselves professionally. You might see a bio that says '「〇〇」の著者' (Author of 'XX'). In business settings, specifically in publishing or marketing, 著者 is used in meetings to discuss contract terms, royalty rates (印税, inzei), and marketing strategies. '著者の意向を確認しましょう' (Let's check the author's intentions) is a phrase used to ensure the author is comfortable with how their work is being handled.

契約書には著者の署名が必要です。

This means 'The author's signature is required on the contract.' This highlights the word's legal importance.
Digital Platforms
On Kindle or other e-book platforms, the metadata field for 'Author' is always labeled as 著者.
You will also hear it in literary awards ceremonies, such as the Akutagawa Prize or Naoki Prize, where the announcer will say '著者の〇〇さんに賞が贈られます' (The prize is awarded to the author, Mr./Ms. XX).
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 著者 (chosha) is confusing it with other words for 'writer' like 作家 (sakka) or 筆者 (hissha). While they all translate to 'writer' or 'author' in English, their usage is quite distinct in Japanese. A common error is calling a journalist a 著者. In Japanese, a journalist or someone who writes for a newspaper is a 記者 (kisha). If you call them a 著者, it implies they have written a book, not just an article.
Mistake: Using 著者 for oneself
Incorrect: '私はこの本の著者です' in a casual setting. While grammatically correct, it sounds very stiff. Better: 'この本を書きました' (I wrote this book).
Mistake: Confusing 著者 with 筆者
著者 is used when talking about the author from the outside. 筆者 is used by the author to refer to themselves within their own text (e.g., 'The writer [I] believes...').
Another mistake is using 著者 for people who create non-textual works. For example, you wouldn't use 著者 for a painter or a musician. For a painter, you use 画家 (gaka), and for a musician, you might use 作曲家 (sakkyokuka) for a composer. 著者 is strictly for those who work with words in a formal published format.

× この映画の著者は誰ですか? (Wrong)
○ この映画の脚本家は誰ですか? (Right - Screenwriter)

In the example above, using 著者 for a movie is incorrect. You should use 脚本家 (kyakkonka) for a screenwriter or 監督 (kantoku) for a director. Learners also often forget to use the particle の when connecting 著者 to the work. Saying 'この本著者' is incorrect; it must be 'この本の著者.' Lastly, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'cho' in chosha is a short sound, not 'chō' (long). Pronouncing it as 'chōsha' might lead to confusion with 庁舎 (chōsha), which means 'government office building.'
Pronunciation Trap
著者 (Chosha) vs. 庁舎 (Chōsha). One is an author, the other is a building. Listen carefully to the vowel length!

× 彼は有名な庁舎です。 (He is a famous government building.)
○ 彼は有名な著者です。 (He is a famous author.)

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and accurate.
To truly master the concept of 'author' in Japanese, you must be able to distinguish 著者 (chosha) from its many synonyms. Each word has a specific nuance and register.
作家 (Sakka)
This refers to a professional writer, often a novelist or someone engaged in creative arts. It focuses on the person's profession and identity as a creator. Example: 'He is a famous writer' (彼は有名な作家だ).
筆者 (Hissha)
Used primarily in academic or formal writing for the author to refer to themselves. It translates to 'the writer' or 'the present writer.' You will see this in prefaces or academic papers.
執筆者 (Shippitsusha)
This word emphasizes the physical act of writing (執筆, shippitsu). It is often used for contributors to a magazine, encyclopedia, or a multi-author volume.
There is also the word 著述家 (chojutsuka), which is a slightly old-fashioned or very formal term for a 'man of letters' or someone who makes a living by writing books and articles. In modern conversation, you might also hear the English loanword ライター (raitaa). This is usually used for freelance writers, web content creators, or people who write for magazines. It carries a less 'prestigious' nuance than 著者 or 作家.

この雑誌の執筆者は多才だ。

This means 'The contributors to this magazine are versatile.' Using 執筆者 here is more appropriate than 著者 because magazines have many contributors. In the context of digital media, you might see 投稿者 (tōkōsha), which means 'poster' or 'contributor' to a forum, blog, or social media site. This is very different from 著者, which implies a higher level of formal publication.
編者 (Hen-sha)
Meaning 'Editor.' Often confused with 著者 in academic citations. The 著者 writes the content; the 編者 compiles it.

彼は著者であると同時に、優れた編集者でもある。

This means 'He is an author and, at the same time, an excellent editor.' It shows how these roles can overlap. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation, which is a key skill for advanced Japanese learners.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The kanji 著 is also used in the word 'remarkable' (顕著, kencho), suggesting that in the past, being an author was seen as a truly remarkable feat of manifesting one's ideas.

발음 가이드

UK tʃoʊ.ʃə
US tʃoʊ.ʃə
The stress is even, but the pitch often drops slightly on the second syllable 'sha'.
라임이 맞는 단어
業者 (gyōsha - provider/trader) 勝者 (shōsha - winner) 走者 (sōsha - runner) 読者 (dokusha - reader) 医者 (isha - doctor) 記者 (kisha - journalist) 学者 (gakusha - scholar) 役者 (yakusha - actor)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it as 'chōsha' (long 'o'), which means government building.
  • Pronouncing it as 'josha', which sounds like boarding a vehicle (乗車).
  • Confusing the 'sha' with 'sa'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'o' sound like English 'show'.
  • Failing to make the 'ch' sound sharp.

난이도

독해 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.

쓰기 4/5

The kanji 著 can be tricky to write correctly.

말하기 2/5

Easy to say, but watch out for the short 'cho'.

듣기 3/5

Can be confused with 'chōsha' (building) if not careful.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

本 (hon) 人 (hito) 書く (kaku) 名前 (namae) だれ (dare)

다음에 배울 것

作家 (sakka) 筆者 (hissha) 著作権 (chosakuken) 出版 (shuppan) 読者 (dokusha)

고급

著述 (chojutsu) 原稿 (genkō) 校正 (kōsei) 印税 (inzei) 版元 (hanmoto)

알아야 할 문법

Particle の for possession/attribution

著者の名前 (Author's name)

Passive voice for publication

著者に書かれた本 (A book written by the author)

Potential form for ability

著者に会える (Can meet the author)

Honorific Sensei

著者である〇〇先生 (The author, Professor XX)

Compound nouns

著者名 (Author name)

수준별 예문

1

この本の著者は誰ですか。

Who is the author of this book?

Simple question using 'wa dare desu ka'.

2

著者の名前を書いてください。

Please write the author's name.

Imperative form 'kudasai' with the object 'namae'.

3

有名な著者の本を読みます。

I read books by famous authors.

Using an adjective 'yūmei na' to modify 'chosha'.

4

あの人は著者です。

That person is an author.

Basic A is B sentence structure.

5

著者は日本人です。

The author is Japanese.

Identifying nationality of the author.

6

この著者は好きです。

I like this author.

Expressing preference with 'suki desu'.

7

著者の写真があります。

There is a photo of the author.

Using 'ga arimasu' for existence.

8

図書館で著者を探します。

I look for the author at the library.

Action verb 'sagasu' with a location.

1

著者にサインをもらいました。

I got an autograph from the author.

Using 'ni ... morau' to indicate receiving something.

2

この著者の新しい本を買いたいです。

I want to buy this author's new book.

Wanting to do something using '-tai desu'.

3

著者の話を聞きました。

I listened to the author's talk.

Past tense of 'kiku' (to listen).

4

たくさんの著者がこのイベントに来ます。

Many authors will come to this event.

Using 'takusan no' to quantify authors.

5

著者のサインが本にあります。

The author's signature is in the book.

Possessive 'no' and location 'ni'.

6

著者はどこに住んでいますか。

Where does the author live?

Question about location using 'doko ni'.

7

この本は、その著者が書きました。

As for this book, that author wrote it.

Topic marker 'wa' and subject marker 'ga'.

8

著者のウェブサイトを見ました。

I saw the author's website.

Direct object 'website' with 'o mimashita'.

1

著者の意図を理解するのは難しいです。

Understanding the author's intention is difficult.

Nominalizing a verb phrase with 'no wa'.

2

著者はこの問題について詳しく説明しています。

The author explains this problem in detail.

Present progressive 'shite imasu' for a state or ongoing action.

3

この本は著者自らが編集したものです。

This book is something the author themselves edited.

Using 'mizukara' for 'themselves' and 'mono' as a noun substitute.

4

著者の考えに賛成できません。

I cannot agree with the author's thoughts.

Potential negative form 'sansei dekimasen'.

5

著者の経歴を調べてみました。

I tried looking up the author's background.

Using '-te miru' for 'trying to do something'.

6

著者の死後、この本は出版されました。

This book was published after the author's death.

Passive voice 'shuppan saremashita'.

7

著者のサイン会は中止になりました。

The author's signing event has been canceled.

Resultative state 'ni narimashita'.

8

著者は、読者にメッセージを伝えています。

The author is conveying a message to the readers.

Target of action 'ni' (to the readers).

1

著者の権利を守るために、法律があります。

There are laws in order to protect the rights of authors.

Using 'tame ni' for purpose.

2

著者は、その事実を強く否定しました。

The author strongly denied that fact.

Adverbial use of 'tsuyoku' (strongly).

3

著者のスタイルは独特で、真似ができません。

The author's style is unique and cannot be imitated.

Potential negative form 'mane ga dekimasen'.

4

この本は著者によって改訂されました。

This book was revised by the author.

Passive voice with the agent marked by 'ni yotte'.

5

著者は多才な人物として知られています。

The author is known as a versatile person.

Passive form 'shirarete iru' (is known).

6

著者の許可なく、転載することは禁じられています。

Reproduction without the author's permission is prohibited.

Formal negative 'naku' and passive 'kinjirarete iru'.

7

著者は、自らの経験を基にこの小説を書いた。

The author wrote this novel based on their own experience.

Using 'o moto ni' for 'based on'.

8

著者の主張には一貫性があります。

There is consistency in the author's claims.

Noun 'ikkanssei' (consistency) with 'ga arimasu'.

1

著者の意図を超えた解釈がなされることがある。

Interpretations that exceed the author's intention are sometimes made.

Passive 'nasareru' and 'koto ga aru' for occasional occurrence.

2

著者の社会的背景を考慮に入れる必要がある。

It is necessary to take the author's social background into consideration.

Using 'kōryo ni ireru' for 'taking into consideration'.

3

著者は、現代社会の矛盾を鋭く突いている。

The author sharply points out the contradictions of modern society.

Adverbial 'suruku' (sharply) with 'tsuita' (pointed out).

4

著者の文体は、読者に強烈な印象を与える。

The author's writing style gives a powerful impression to the reader.

Expression 'inshō o ataeru' (to give an impression).

5

著者の匿名性は、この作品の重要な要素だ。

The author's anonymity is an important element of this work.

Noun 'tokumeisei' (anonymality).

6

著者は、あえて結末を曖昧にしている。

The author is intentionally leaving the ending ambiguous.

Adverb 'aete' (daringly/intentionally).

7

著者の死によって、その真実は永遠に失われた。

With the author's death, that truth was lost forever.

Using 'ni yotte' to indicate cause.

8

著者の博識ぶりには驚かされるばかりだ。

I am constantly amazed by the author's extensive knowledge.

Using '-buri' to indicate a state or manner, and 'bakari da'.

1

著者の言説は、当時の思想界に多大な影響を及ぼした。

The author's discourse exerted a tremendous influence on the intellectual world of the time.

Formal 'eikyō o oyoboshita' (exerted influence).

2

著者のアイデンティティの変容が作品に反映されている。

The transformation of the author's identity is reflected in the work.

Noun 'hen'yō' (transformation) and passive 'han'ei sarete iru'.

3

著者のパースペクティブは、既存の枠組みを根底から覆すものだ。

The author's perspective fundamentally overturns existing frameworks.

Using 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' for 'overturning from the root'.

4

著者のテクストにおける沈黙は、雄弁に多くを語っている。

The silences in the author's text speak volumes eloquently.

Oxymoron 'chinmoku wa yūben ni kataru'.

5

著者の著作権を巡る法廷闘争は、泥沼化の様相を呈している。

The legal battle over the author's copyright is showing signs of becoming a quagmire.

Idiom 'yōsō o teishite iru' (showing signs of).

6

著者のレトリックは、読者を巧みに誘導する。

The author's rhetoric skillfully guides the reader.

Adverb 'takumi ni' (skillfully).

7

著者の不在が、作品の神格化を加速させた。

The author's absence accelerated the deification of the work.

Noun 'shinkakuka' (deification).

8

著者の独創性は、伝統的な技法と前衛的な感性の融合にある。

The author's originality lies in the fusion of traditional techniques and avant-garde sensibilities.

Structure 'A wa B ni aru' (A lies in B).

자주 쓰는 조합

著者名
著者近影
著者サイン
著者校正
著者目録
共著者
著者自身
著者略歴
著者割引
著者権

자주 쓰는 구문

著者に会う

— To meet the author in person.

サイン会で著者に会った。

著者を探す

— To look for the author's name or the person themselves.

目次で著者を探す。

著者による...

— Written by... (used to introduce a work).

著者による朗読会。

著者の意図

— The author's intention behind the writing.

著者の意図を汲み取る。

著者の考え

— The author's thoughts or opinions.

著者の考えに同感する。

著者の許可

— The author's permission.

著者の許可を得る。

著者の署名

— The author's signature.

著者の署名入りの本。

著者の言葉

— The author's words (often a preface).

はじめに著者の言葉がある。

著者の世界観

— The author's worldview.

著者の世界観に惹かれる。

著者の立場

— The author's standpoint or perspective.

著者の立場から論じる。

자주 혼동되는 단어

著者 vs 作家 (Sakka)

Sakka is a professional novelist; Chosha is the functional author of a specific work.

著者 vs 筆者 (Hissha)

Hissha is used by authors to refer to themselves in the third person within their own text.

著者 vs 記者 (Kisha)

Kisha is a journalist who writes news; Chosha writes books or formal papers.

관용어 및 표현

"著者は語る"

— The author speaks (often used as a headline for interviews).

「著者は語る」というコーナー。

Media
"著者冥利に尽きる"

— To be the greatest honor for an author.

読者から手紙をもらうのは、著者冥利に尽きる。

Formal/Emotional
"著者の一存"

— At the author's sole discretion.

出版の時期は著者の一存で決まる。

Formal
"著者の筆致"

— The author's touch or style of writing.

力強い著者の筆致を感じる。

Literary
"著者の名を汚す"

— To tarnish the author's name (reputation).

誤字脱字は著者の名を汚すことになる。

Formal
"著者と二人三脚"

— Working closely together with the author (like a three-legged race).

編集者は著者と二人三脚で本を作る。

Idiomatic
"著者の懐に入る"

— To get into the author's good graces or gain their trust.

彼は巧みに著者の懐に入った。

Idiomatic
"著者の看板"

— The author's 'brand' or famous name.

著者の看板だけで本が売れる。

Business
"著者の墨痕鮮やか"

— The author's ink marks are vivid (used for autographs).

著者の墨痕鮮やかなサイン。

Formal/Literary
"著者の手垢がついた"

— Well-worn by the author (implying a personal, used item).

著者の手垢がついた辞書。

Idiomatic

혼동하기 쉬운

著者 vs 庁舎 (Chōsha)

Similar pronunciation.

Chosha is an author (short o); Chōsha is a government building (long ō).

彼は著者です (He is an author) vs 彼は庁舎です (He is a building - impossible).

著者 vs 乗車 (Jōsha)

Similar sound.

Jōsha means boarding a train/bus; Chosha means author.

乗車してください (Please board) vs 著者になってください (Please become an author).

문장 패턴

A1

この本の著者は[Name]です。

この本の著者は村上春樹です。

A2

著者に[Object]を[Verb]。

著者にサインをもらいました。

B1

著者の[Noun]は[Adjective]です。

著者の考えは面白いです。

B2

著者によって[Passive Verb]。

著者によって書かれました。

C1

著者の[Noun]を考慮すると...

著者の意図を考慮すると、この表現は重要だ。

C2

著者の言説が[Noun]に及ぼす影響は...

著者の言説が社会に及ぼす影響は計り知れない。

B1

著者が[Verb]ている[Noun]。

著者が書いているブログ。

B2

著者の許可なく[Verb]ないでください。

著者の許可なくコピーしないでください。

어휘 가족

명사

著作 (chosaku - a work/book)
著作権 (chosakuken - copyright)
著書 (chosho - one's book/writings)
著述 (chojutsu - writing/authorship)

동사

著す (arawasu - to write/publish)

형용사

著名な (chomei na - famous/noted)

관련

出版 (shuppan - publishing)
執筆 (shippitsu - writing)
印税 (inzei - royalties)
校正 (kōsei - proofreading)
編集 (henshū - editing)

사용법

frequency

High in written media, bookstores, and academic settings. Medium in casual conversation.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 'Chōsha' (long vowel) Chosha

    Long vowel changes the meaning to 'government building'.

  • Calling a journalist 'Chosha' Kisha

    Journalists are reporters, not usually referred to as authors unless they wrote a book.

  • Referring to yourself as 'Chosha' casually Watashi / Kaita hito

    It sounds overly arrogant or stiff in casual conversation.

Connecting to Books

Always use 'Book Title + の + 著者' to specify who wrote what.

Addressing Authors

Never call an author 'Chosha-san' to their face; use '[Name]-sensei'.

Online Shopping

When using Amazon Japan, filtering by 著者 is the fastest way to find books.

Citations

In Japanese essays, 著者 always comes before the title in a bibliography.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a **CHO**colate-loving **SHA**rp dresser writing a book. The **CHO**-**SHA** is the author!

시각적 연상

Picture a book cover with a large 'C' for Chosha and a person's photo next to it.

Word Web

Book Pen Name Copyright Library Store Signature Paper

챌린지

Go to a Japanese bookstore website and find the names of five different 著者.

어원

Derived from Middle Chinese (Sino-Japanese reading). 著 originally meant to manifest or display, which evolved into 'to write/publish.' 者 is a classic agentive suffix meaning 'person.'

원래 의미: A person who makes their thoughts manifest through publishing.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

문화적 맥락

Always use honorifics like 'san' or 'sensei' when talking about a specific 著者 to show respect.

In English, we use 'author' for both the person and the role. In Japanese, 著者 is the role, but 'Sensei' is the polite address.

Natsume Soseki (Famous 著者) Haruki Murakami (Modern 著者) The Akutagawa Prize (Award for 著者)

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Bookstore

  • 著者名で探す
  • 著者のサイン本
  • 有名な著者
  • 新しい著者

Library

  • 著者目録
  • 著者別に並べる
  • 著者の全集
  • 著者を調べる

University

  • 論文の著者
  • 共著者になる
  • 著者の主張
  • 著者への引用

Publishing

  • 著者校正
  • 著者との契約
  • 著者の意向
  • 著者近影

Social Media

  • 著者のアカウント
  • 著者をフォローする
  • 著者のブログ
  • 著者へのリプライ

대화 시작하기

"最近、好きな著者はいますか? (Do you have a favorite author lately?)"

"この本の著者の他の作品を知っていますか? (Do you know other works by the author of this book?)"

"いつか著者になってみたいと思いますか? (Do you think you'd like to become an author someday?)"

"著者のサイン会に行ったことがありますか? (Have you ever been to an author's signing event?)"

"著者の考え方に共感できますか? (Can you empathize with the author's way of thinking?)"

일기 주제

もし自分が著者だったら、どんな本を書きたいですか? (If you were an author, what kind of book would you want to write?)

一番尊敬している著者について書いてください。 (Write about the author you respect the most.)

著者の意図と読者の解釈の違いについてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the difference between an author's intention and a reader's interpretation?)

最近読んだ本の著者について調べて分かったことを書きましょう。 (Write about what you found out after looking up the author of a book you recently read.)

著者にとって一番大切なことは何だと思いますか? (What do you think is the most important thing for an author?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, 'blogger' or 'kiji no hito' is used. 著者 implies a more formal publication like a book.

It is a neutral, formal term. To be polite to the person, use 'Sensei'.

著者 is the person (author); 著書 is the thing they wrote (the book).

Use 'Kyō-chosha' (共著者).

Usually 'Mangaka' (漫画家) is used, but 著者 can appear in legal/copyright contexts.

No, Japanese nouns are gender-neutral. 著者 applies to everyone.

No, use 'Sakkyokuka' (composer) or 'Sakushika' (lyricist).

No, usually 'Kisha' (reporter) or 'Shippitsusha' (contributor) is used.

It means 'Author's name'.

It is written as 著者.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Who is the author?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I met the author.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I want to know the author's intention.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'The book was revised by the author.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'We must analyze the author's discourse.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write the kanji for 'chosha'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'The author is famous.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I am a fan of this author.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Please respect the author's copyright.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Japanese: 'The author's style is influenced by history.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Author's name'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'New book by the author'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Author's signature event'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The author themselves wrote it.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Author's ideological background'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I read the author's book.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Please tell me the author's name.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I looked for the author at the library.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Author's permission is needed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The author's sharp insight is amazing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'Chosha' correctly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Who is the author?' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I want to meet this author' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The author revised the book' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain the nuance of 'Chosha' vs 'Sakka' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Famous author' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Please write the author's name' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I like the author's thoughts' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Author's permission is required' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The author's style is very unique' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Japanese author' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Author's autograph' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am looking for the author' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The author themselves said so' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Analyze the author's intention' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'This is the author' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I read the author's blog' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Is the author coming?' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Respect the author's rights' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The author's discourse was influential' in Japanese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 著者 (Chosha)

Short o, sha.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 著者の名前 (Chosha no namae)

Author's name.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 著者の意図 (Chosha no ito)

Author's intention.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 著者による改訂 (Chosha ni yoru kaitei)

Revision by author.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the phrase: 著者の思想的背景 (Chosha no shisōteki haikei)

Ideological background.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 有名な著者 (Yūmei na chosha)

Famous author.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者に会う (Chosha ni au)

Meet the author.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者の考え (Chosha no kangae)

Author's thoughts.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者自身の言葉 (Chosha jishin no kotoba)

Author's own words.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者の文体の特徴 (Chosha no buntai no tokuchō)

Characteristics of style.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者は誰? (Chosha wa dare?)

Who is the author?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者の本 (Chosha no hon)

Author's book.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者のファン (Chosha no fan)

Author's fan.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者の許可 (Chosha no kyoka)

Author's permission.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 著者の匿名性 (Chosha no tokumeisei)

Anonymity.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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