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A2 noun #1,500 most common 11 min read

文書

bunsho Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '文書' (bunsho) means 'document' or 'paper.' You might see it in very simple contexts, like a teacher asking you to look at a piece of paper. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex kanji or the formal nuances. Just remember that it is a noun for something written. You might encounter it in phrases like 'これは文書です' (This is a document). It is a basic building block for understanding that Japanese has specific words for different types of written things. You should focus on recognizing the word when you hear it in a classroom or see it on a simple worksheet. It's about identifying the object. Think of it as a formal version of 'paper' (kami). Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand that Japanese culture values formal records. You might see it on a sign at a library or a school office. Don't worry about writing the kanji yet; just focus on the sound 'bunsho' and the general meaning of 'official paper.' This will set a good foundation for more complex business vocabulary later on.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '文書' (bunsho) in simple sentences related to your daily life or work. You might say '文書を作ります' (I will make a document) or '文書を読みました' (I read the document). You are starting to understand that 'bunsho' is more formal than 'memo' or 'tegami' (letter). You can use it when talking about simple reports or forms you have to fill out at school or work. At this level, you should also begin to recognize the kanji '文書.' The first kanji '文' is often learned early as 'sentence,' and the second '書' as 'to write.' Combining them makes sense. You might also start to see it in compound words like '文書ファイル' (document file). You should be able to distinguish it from 'shorui' (paperwork) in basic contexts, though using them interchangeably is often okay at this level. The goal for A2 is to use 'bunsho' to describe the simple paperwork you handle in your environment. You can ask questions like 'この文書は何ですか？' (What is this document?). This level is about functional use in predictable situations.

At the B1 level, you should have a clear understanding of the formal nuances of '文書' (bunsho). You can use it confidently in a business setting to refer to reports, contracts, and official notices. You should also be aware of the difference between '文書' and '文章' (bunshou), ensuring you don't confuse 'document' with 'prose.' At B1, you can handle sentences like '文書の管理が重要です' (Document management is important) and understand the importance of 'bunsho' in a professional hierarchy. You might also encounter the term in the context of '電子文書' (electronic documents) and be able to discuss how to save or send them. Your vocabulary is expanding to include verbs like '配布する' (distribute) or '保存する' (save) in conjunction with 'bunsho.' You are expected to use the word correctly in emails and formal reports. You understand that 'bunsho' carries a certain level of responsibility and that creating one requires careful attention to detail. This level marks the transition from seeing 'bunsho' as just 'paper' to seeing it as a 'professional record.'

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '文書' (bunsho) with precision in complex professional and academic contexts. You understand the legal implications of the word, such as in '公文書' (official government documents) and '私文書' (private documents). You can discuss topics like '文書の改ざん' (falsification of documents) or '文書の破棄' (destruction of documents) with appropriate vocabulary. You are also aware of the historical reading 'monjo' and when it might be used. At this level, you can explain the difference between '文書,' '書類,' and '資料' to others. You use 'bunsho' to refer to the content and the legal status of a record. You are comfortable reading news articles that use this term and can participate in discussions about information security and document management systems. Your writing should reflect a high level of formality when using this word, pairing it with advanced verbs and honorifics. You understand that a 'bunsho' is a piece of evidence and a formal communication tool that represents an organization's voice.

At the C1 level, your mastery of '文書' (bunsho) is near-native. You understand the deep cultural and historical significance of document-keeping in Japan. You can analyze '古文書' (ancient documents) or discuss the evolution of '文書行政' (document-based administration) in the Japanese government. You are sensitive to the subtle stylistic differences between '文書' and other related terms in legal, technical, and literary fields. You can draft complex '契約文書' (contractual documents) that adhere to strict Japanese business protocols. You are also capable of discussing the philosophy of '文書主義' (the principle of documenting everything) and its impact on Japanese corporate culture. Your use of the word is flawless, and you can navigate high-level discussions about digital transformation (DX) and its effect on '電子文書法' (Electronic Document Law). You understand the nuances of how 'bunsho' is used in different registers, from the highly formal language of the Imperial Household to the technical jargon of cybersecurity. For you, 'bunsho' is not just a word, but a key to understanding the structural integrity of Japanese society.

At the C2 level, you possess an authoritative command of '文書' (bunsho) and its entire semantic field. You can engage in scholarly debates about the linguistic development of the term from classical Japanese to the modern era. You are capable of interpreting the most obscure '公文書' and identifying the subtle rhetorical strategies used in high-level diplomatic '文書.' You understand the intricate relationship between '文書' and the concept of 'official truth' in Japanese history and law. You can provide expert advice on '文書管理' (document management) strategies for multinational corporations operating in Japan, taking into account both legal requirements and cultural expectations. Your ability to use the word extends to creative and highly specialized fields, where you might use it to discuss the 'archival turn' in contemporary Japanese art or literature. You are a master of the 'bunsho' culture, understanding that in Japan, the written record often holds more weight than the spoken word. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic systems with ease, using your deep knowledge of '文書' to achieve sophisticated communicative goals.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

文書 in 30 Seconds

文書 (bunsho) means 'document' or 'formal record.'
Commonly used in business, law, and government contexts.
Distinguished from 文章 (bunshou), which means 'prose' or 'sentences.'
Refers to both physical paper and digital files.

The Japanese word 文書 (bunsho) is a fundamental noun that primarily refers to a 'document' or 'written material.' In its most basic sense, it encompasses any information that has been recorded in writing, whether it be on physical paper or in a digital format. The term is composed of two kanji: 文 (bun), meaning 'sentence,' 'text,' or 'literature,' and 書 (sho), meaning 'to write' or 'book.' Together, they form a concept that is central to administration, law, business, and daily communication in Japan. Unlike the word '文章' (bunshou), which focuses on the literary quality or the flow of sentences (prose), 文書 emphasizes the record-keeping aspect and the formal status of the information. It is the vessel for facts, instructions, and official declarations.

Etymological Roots: The kanji 文 originally represented a pattern or markings, which evolved to mean written characters. 書 depicts a hand holding a brush over a container, signifying the act of recording. Thus, 文書 is the physical or digital manifestation of patterned records.

この文書をファイルに保存してください。 (Please save this document in the file.)

In a modern context, 文書 is ubiquitous. When you receive a contract, it is a 文書. When a government office issues a notice, it is a 文書. Even an internal memo in a company is categorized under this term. It carries a weight of authority and permanence. In the digital age, the term has expanded to include 'electronic documents' (電子文書 - denshi bunsho), which are treated with the same legal and professional scrutiny as their paper predecessors. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating Japanese professional environments, as it defines the medium through which formal agreements and information exchanges occur.

Legal Context: In Japanese law, '文書' refers to an object that expresses a person's thoughts or intentions through characters or signs that are somewhat permanent. This includes everything from a handwritten note to a complex digital database entry.

公的な文書には印鑑が必要です。 (Official documents require a seal.)

Furthermore, the word is often used in compound nouns. For example, '公文書' (koubunsho) refers to official government documents, while '私文書' (shibunsho) refers to private documents. The management of these records is a major topic in Japanese society, often appearing in news reports regarding transparency and accountability. For a learner, mastering this word means being able to discuss paperwork, digital files, and formal records with precision. It is not just 'paper'; it is the recorded truth of a situation or agreement.

機密文書の取り扱いには注意してください。 (Please be careful with the handling of confidential documents.)

Historical Usage: Historically, 'monjo' (an alternative reading of 文書) referred specifically to ancient manuscripts and records used by historians to reconstruct the past. In modern Japanese, 'bunsho' is the standard reading for contemporary documents.

歴史的な文書を調査する。 (Investigate historical documents.)

電子文書の作成。 (Creation of electronic documents.)

Using 文書 (bunsho) correctly requires an understanding of its formal and functional nature. It is most commonly used in business, legal, and administrative contexts. When you are referring to a specific piece of paperwork that contains information, instructions, or evidence, 文書 is the appropriate term. It functions as a noun and can be modified by various adjectives or other nouns to specify the type of document. For instance, '重要な文書' (juuyou na bunsho) means an 'important document,' and '契約文書' (keiyaku bunsho) means 'contractual documents.'

Common Verbs: 文書を作成する (to create a document), 文書を配布する (to distribute documents), 文書を破棄する (to discard/shred documents), 文書を保存する (to save/store documents).

会議の前に文書を作成しました。 (I created the document before the meeting.)

In a sentence, 文書 often acts as the object of an action. Because it is a formal word, it is frequently paired with polite verbs like '作成いたします' (will create) or '提出してください' (please submit). If you are in a Japanese office and someone asks you to 'handle the documents,' they might say '文書の整理をお願いします' (Please organize the documents). It is important to note that while '書類' (shorui) is also used for paperwork, 文書 is broader and more formal, often referring to the content and the record itself rather than just the physical sheets of paper.

Grammatical Patterns: [Noun] + に関する文書 (Documents regarding [Noun]), [Verb-dictionary form] + ための文書 (Documents for the purpose of [Verb]).

プロジェクトに関する文書をまとめました。 (I have compiled the documents regarding the project.)

When discussing the authenticity of a document, you might hear '文書の偽造' (gizou - forgery) or '文書の改ざん' (kaizan - tampering). These are serious terms used in legal and news contexts. In everyday office life, you will use it to describe the output of your work. For example, '文書作成ソフト' (bunsho sakusei sofuto) is the Japanese term for word-processing software like Microsoft Word. By using 文書, you signal that you are talking about professional, structured information rather than just casual notes or creative writing.

この文書は外部に漏らさないでください。 (Please do not leak this document to the outside.)

Digital vs. Physical: While 'shorui' (書類) often implies physical stacks of paper, 'bunsho' (文書) is the standard term for the 'document' as an abstract entity of information, making it the preferred term for digital records.

電子署名を使って文書にサインする。 (Sign the document using an electronic signature.)

その文書の有効期限は切れています。 (The expiration date of that document has passed.)

You will encounter 文書 (bunsho) in a variety of settings, ranging from the workplace to the evening news. In a Japanese office, it is one of the most frequently used words. Managers will ask for '文書の提出' (submission of documents), and IT departments will discuss '文書管理システム' (document management systems). If you are working in Japan, you will see this word on the headers of forms, in the names of folders on shared drives, and in the subject lines of formal emails. It is the language of the 'salaryman' and the civil servant alike.

In the News: News anchors often use '文書' when reporting on government scandals, such as '文書の隠蔽' (inpei - concealment of documents) or '公文書の改ざん' (falsification of official documents). It highlights the importance of records in maintaining public trust.

政府は新しい文書を公開しました。 (The government has released a new document.)

In educational settings, students learn about '文書作成' (document creation) as a technical skill. This includes learning how to format business letters, write reports, and use honorifics correctly in writing. You might hear a teacher say, '正確な文書を書くことは社会人の基本です' (Writing accurate documents is a basic skill for a working member of society). In legal dramas or actual courtrooms, the word is used to refer to evidence. A lawyer might present a '証拠文書' (shouko bunsho - evidence document) to prove a point. The word carries a sense of 'proof' and 'formality' that casual words lack.

At the City Hall: When you visit a 'shiryousitsu' (resource room) or 'kuyakusho' (ward office), you will see signs for '文書受付' (document reception). This is where you hand in your official applications.

この窓口で文書を受け取ってください。 (Please receive the document at this window.)

Finally, in the world of technology, '文書' is the standard translation for 'document' in software interfaces. When you click 'File' -> 'New Document' in a Japanese version of a program, you will see '新規文書' (shinki bunsho). This makes it a word that you will literally see every day if you use a computer in Japanese. Whether it's a PDF, a Word file, or a printed contract, 文書 is the term that ties them all together as formal records of information.

PDF文書をメールで送ります。 (I will send the PDF document by email.)

In History Class: Students study 'komonjo' (古文書), which are ancient documents from the Edo period or earlier. These are vital for understanding Japanese history.

図書館で古い文書を読みました。 (I read old documents at the library.)

その文書はもう古いです。 (That document is already old.)

The most common mistake learners make with 文書 (bunsho) is confusing it with its near-homophone 文章 (bunshou). While they look and sound similar, their meanings are distinct. 文書 refers to the 'document' as an object or a formal record (e.g., a contract, a file). 文章, on the other hand, refers to 'prose,' 'sentences,' or the 'style of writing.' If you tell your boss, 'I wrote a beautiful bunsho,' using 文書, they might be confused because 文書 is usually functional, not 'beautiful.' You should use 文章 to describe the quality of the writing.

Bunsho vs. Bunshou: 文書 (Bunsho): A document, a file, a formal record. Focus on the entity.
文章 (Bunshou): Prose, a passage, writing style. Focus on the linguistic content.

× 彼はきれいな文書を書きます。
○ 彼はきれいな文章を書きます。 (He writes beautiful prose.)

Another mistake is overusing 文書 in casual situations. If you are just talking about a piece of paper with some notes on it, '紙' (kami - paper) or 'メモ' (memo) is more natural. Using 文書 for a grocery list would sound incredibly stiff and strange, as if you were treating your shopping list like a government decree. Similarly, while '書類' (shorui) and 文書 are often interchangeable, '書類' is more common for the physical 'paperwork' you have to fill out, while 文書 is for the 'document' as a stored record.

Kanji Confusion: Learners often mix up the second kanji. 書 (write) is used for bunsho, while 章 (chapter/badge) is used for bunshou. Remember: 'Sho' as in 'shodou' (calligraphy) = writing a document.

× この文章をサーバーに保存して。
○ この文書をサーバーに保存して。 (Save this document to the server.)

Finally, be careful with the reading. While 'monjo' is a valid reading in historical contexts (like '古文書' - komonjo), using 'monjo' for a modern business document will make you sound like a history professor or someone from the 15th century. Stick to 'bunsho' for all modern applications. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with '聞書' (kikigaki), which means a record of something heard. Precision in vocabulary is key to professional Japanese communication.

公式な文書を作成する際は、言葉遣いに気をつけてください。 (When creating official documents, please be careful with your wording.)

Summary of Errors: 1. Confusing with 文章 (prose). 2. Using in too casual contexts. 3. Incorrect kanji choice. 4. Using the archaic 'monjo' reading for modern files.

契約文書の内容を確認する。 (Check the contents of the contract document.)

その文書は秘密です。 (That document is a secret.)

Understanding 文書 (bunsho) also requires knowing how it relates to other similar words in the Japanese lexicon. The most frequent comparisons are with '書類' (shorui), '文章' (bunshou), and '資料' (shiryou). Each of these has a specific nuance that changes based on the context of the communication. While they all deal with information and writing, their 'vibe' and application are quite different.

文書 vs. 書類 (Shorui): 文書 (Bunsho) is more formal and refers to the document as a record or an official entity. 書類 (Shorui) is more common for 'paperwork' or 'files' that you handle daily. You 'submit paperwork' (書類を提出する), but you 'manage official documents' (公文書を管理する).

この書類に記入してください。 (Please fill out this paperwork.) vs. 文書をアーカイブする。 (Archive the document.)

Next is '文章' (bunshou). As mentioned before, this is about the writing itself. If you are praising someone's writing style, you use '文章.' If you are referring to the file they sent you, you use '文書.' Then there is '資料' (shiryou), which means 'materials' or 'data.' Materials used for a presentation or research are '資料.' A '文書' might be part of your '資料,' but '資料' is broader and can include charts, graphs, and reference books.

文書 vs. 資料 (Shiryou): 資料 (Shiryou) is 'reference material.' It is what you look at to learn something. 文書 (Bunsho) is the 'official record.' It is what you create to document something.

会議の資料を準備する。 (Prepare the materials for the meeting.)

There are also more specific terms like '公文書' (koubunsho - public/official document) and '証書' (shousho - certificate/deed). A '証書' is a specific type of '文書' that proves a right or a fact, like a graduation certificate. In the digital realm, you might also hear 'ドキュメント' (dokyumento), which is the katakana version of the English word. It is used frequently in tech and software, but '文書' remains the standard for formal business and legal contexts. Knowing when to use each of these will make your Japanese sound much more natural and professional.

卒業証書を受け取る。 (Receive the graduation certificate.)

Nuance Summary: - 文書: Formal, record-oriented.
- 書類: Practical, paper-oriented.
- 文章: Literary, sentence-oriented.
- 資料: Informational, reference-oriented.

この文書は非常に重要です。 (This document is very important.)

電子文書の管理を徹底する。 (Thoroughly manage electronic documents.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

これは文書です。

This is a document.

Basic 'A wa B desu' structure.

文書を読みます。

I read the document.

Object marker 'o' with the verb 'yomimasu'.

大切な文書です。

It is an important document.

Adjective 'taisetsu na' modifying 'bunsho'.

文書があります。

There is a document.

Existence verb 'arimasu' for inanimate objects.

その文書はどこですか？

Where is that document?

Question word 'doko' with the particle 'desu ka'.

文書をください。

Please give me the document.

Polite request 'kudasai'.

新しい文書です。

It is a new document.

Adjective 'atarashii' modifying 'bunsho'.

文書を見ます。

I look at the document.

Verb 'mimasu' (to see/look).

文書を作成しました。

I created the document.

Verb 'sakusei suru' (to create) in past tense.

この文書をコピーしてください。

Please copy this document.

Polite request 'te-form + kudasai'.

文書をファイルに入れました。

I put the document in the file.

Particle 'ni' indicating destination.

文書の内容を確認します。

I will check the content of the document.

Noun 'naiyou' (content) connected by 'no'.

メールで文書を送ります。

I will send the document by email.

Particle 'de' indicating means/method.

文書を整理してください。

Please organize the documents.

Verb 'seiri suru' (to organize).

会議の文書を配ります。

I will distribute the meeting documents.

Verb 'kubaru' (to distribute).

文書をなくさないでください。

Please do not lose the document.

Negative request 'nai-form + de kudasai'.

公式な文書を作成する必要があります。

It is necessary to create an official document.

Structure 'hitsuyou ga arimasu' (there is a need).

文書の保存期間は5年です。

The retention period for the documents is five years.

Noun 'hozon kikan' (retention period).

機密文書なので、取り扱いに注意してください。

Since it is a confidential document, please be careful with its handling.

Conjunction 'node' (because/since).

文書をスキャンしてPDFにしました。

I scanned the document and made it into a PDF.

Te-form used to connect actions.

その文書はサーバーに保存されています。

That document is saved on the server.

Passive/Resultative 'te-imasu' form.

文書の不備を修正してください。

Please correct the deficiencies in the document.

Noun 'fubi' (deficiency/flaw).

この文書は外部秘です。

This document is for internal use only (confidential to the outside).

Noun 'gaibuhi' (internal secret).

文書をシュレッダーにかけました。

I put the document through the shredder.

Phrase 'shureddaa ni kakeru'.

公文書の管理体制を強化するべきだ。

We should strengthen the management system for official documents.

Auxiliary 'beki da' (should/ought to).

文書の改ざんは重大な犯罪です。

Falsification of documents is a serious crime.

Noun 'kaizan' (falsification/tampering).

その文書には法的効力があります。

That document has legal force.

Noun 'houteki kouryoku' (legal effect).

文書の電子化が進んでいます。

The digitalization of documents is progressing.

Noun 'denshika' (digitalization).

契約文書の内容を詳細に検討する。

Examine the contents of the contract document in detail.

Adverbial 'shousai ni' (in detail).

文書の信憑性を疑う余地はない。

There is no room to doubt the authenticity of the document.

Phrase 'utagau yochi wa nai' (no room for doubt).

証拠文書として提出された。

It was submitted as an evidence document.

Particle 'toshite' (as/in the capacity of).

文書の公開を求める声が高まっている。

Calls for the disclosure of the documents are increasing.

Structure 'motomeru koe ga takamatte iru'.

文書主義の弊害が指摘されている。

The negative effects of document-centrism are being pointed out.

Noun 'bunshoshugi' (document-centrism).

外交文書の秘密指定が解除された。

The secret designation of the diplomatic documents was lifted.

Noun 'himitsu shitei' (secret designation).

古文書の解読には専門的な知識が必要だ。

Specialized knowledge is required to decipher ancient documents.

Noun 'kaidoku' (deciphering).

文書の整合性を保つことが不可欠だ。

It is essential to maintain the consistency of the documents.

Adjective 'fukaketsu' (indispensable/essential).

電子文書の原本性をどう担保するかが課題だ。

The challenge is how to guarantee the originality of electronic documents.

Noun 'genponsei' (originality/authenticity).

文書の散逸を防ぐためにアーカイブ化する。

Archive the documents to prevent them from being scattered and lost.

Noun 'san'itsu' (scattering/loss).

その文書は歴史的価値が極めて高い。

That document has extremely high historical value.

Adverb 'kiwamete' (extremely).

文書の文言一つ一つに注意を払う。

Pay attention to every single word in the document.

Noun 'mungon' (wording/phrasing).

文書行政の透明性を確保することが民主主義の根幹である。

Ensuring the transparency of document-based administration is the foundation of democracy.

Noun 'konkan' (root/foundation).

当該文書は、当時の政治情勢を如実に物語っている。

The document in question vividly tells the story of the political situation at the time.

Adverb 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/realistically).

文書の隠蔽工作が組織的に行われていた疑いがある。

There is a suspicion that document concealment was carried out systematically.

Noun 'inpei kousaku' (concealment operation).

電子署名法に基づき、当該文書の真正性が証明された。

Based on the Electronic Signature Law, the authenticity of the document was proven.

Phrase 'ni motozuki' (based on).

文書の解釈を巡って、激しい論争が繰り広げられた。

A fierce debate unfolded over the interpretation of the document.

Phrase 'o megutte' (concerning/over).

公文書管理法の改正により、文書の保存期間が厳格化された。

With the revision of the Public Records Management Act, document retention periods were made stricter.

Noun 'genkakuka' (making stricter).

その文書は、中世の社会構造を解明する上で一級の史料である。

That document is a first-class historical source for elucidating medieval social structures.

Phrase 'ue de' (in the process of/for the purpose of).

文書の破棄は、国民の知る権利を侵害する行為に他ならない。

The destruction of documents is nothing less than an act that infringes upon the people's right to know.

Phrase 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing but/none other than).

Common Collocations

文書を作成する (Create a document)

文書を配布する (Distribute documents)

文書を保存する (Save documents)

文書を破棄する (Discard documents)

文書を提出する (Submit documents)

文書を管理する (Manage documents)

文書を偽造する (Forge a document)

文書を改ざんする (Tamper with a document)

文書を公開する (Disclose a document)

文書を整理する (Organize documents)

Common Phrases

公文書管理 (Public records management)

文書作成ソフト (Word processing software)

電子文書 (Electronic document)

機密文書 (Confidential document)

重要文書 (Important document)

契約文書 (Contract document)

証拠文書 (Evidence document)

内部文書 (Internal document)

Often Confused With

文書 vs 文章 (Bunshou) - Prose/sentences

文書 vs 書類 (Shorui) - Paperwork

文書 vs 書物 (Shomotsu) - Books

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

文書 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Bunsho is more about the 'record' than the 'paper'.

digital

Standard term for digital documents.

formality

High. Use in professional settings.

Common Mistakes

Using 文書 (bunsho) for prose.
Using 文書 for a casual note.
Pronouncing it as 'bunshou'.
Writing the kanji as 文章.
Using 'monjo' for modern files.

Tips

Use in Business

Always use 'bunsho' when referring to formal reports or contracts in a Japanese office. It sounds much more professional than 'kami' or 'shorui'.

Writing Tip

The second kanji 書 is the same as in 'kaku' (to write). Remember that a document is something that has been 'written'.

Short 'o'

Make sure to keep the 'o' in 'bunsho' short. If you lengthen it, it becomes 'bunshou,' which means something else entirely.

File Names

When naming folders on your computer in Japanese, using '文書' for documents is standard practice.

Legal Weight

Understand that 'bunsho' implies a record that can be used as evidence. Treat anything labeled 'bunsho' with care.

JLPT Prep

This word frequently appears in N3 and N2 level reading sections. Practice identifying it in formal contexts.

Hanko

Remember that many 'bunsho' in Japan are not considered valid without a 'hanko' (seal).

Compounds

Learn 'bunsho' along with 'sakusei' (creation) and 'hozon' (preservation) as they are often used together.

Handling

When handing a 'bunsho' to a superior, use both hands to show respect.

Self-Check

Periodically check if you are confusing 'bunsho' and 'bunshou' in your writing.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Official documents usually require an inkan/hanko.

Japan has strict laws regarding the archiving of 'koubunsho' (public records).

The government is currently pushing for 'hanko-less' electronic documents.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"その文書の締め切りはいつですか？ (When is the deadline for that document?)"

"文書の書き方を教えてください。 (Please teach me how to write the document.)"

"この文書はどこに保存すればいいですか？ (Where should I save this document?)"

"新しい文書を作成しました。見ていただけますか？ (I created a new document. Could you take a look?)"

"文書の修正が終わりました。 (I have finished correcting the document.)"

Journal Prompts

今日作成した文書について書いてください。 (Write about a document you created today.)

大切な文書をなくしたことがありますか？ (Have you ever lost an important document?)

電子文書と紙の文書、どちらが好きですか？ (Which do you prefer, electronic or paper documents?)

将来、紙の文書はなくなると思いますか？ (Do you think paper documents will disappear in the future?)

文書を整理するコツは何ですか？ (What are your tips for organizing documents?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

文書 (bunsho) is more formal and refers to the document as a record or official entity. 書類 (shorui) is more common for everyday paperwork and physical files. In many business contexts, they can be used interchangeably, but 文書 sounds more authoritative.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, '電子文書' (denshi bunsho) is the standard term for an electronic document. In software, '文書' is the common translation for 'document'.

No. A letter is usually '手紙' (tegami). While a formal business letter could be considered a '文書,' you wouldn't use '文書' for a casual letter to a friend.

You can use '文書化する' (bunshoka suru). For example, '会議の内容を文書化する' means 'to document the contents of the meeting.'

'Monjo' is an older, historical reading. It is used specifically for ancient manuscripts (古文書 - komonjo). For modern documents, always use 'bunsho'.

It means 'official public document.' These are documents created or received by government agencies and are subject to specific management laws.

Yes, '文書作成ソフト' (bunsho sakusei sofuto) is the general term for word-processing software.

No, that would be '文章' (bunshou). Be careful with the long 'u' sound at the end of 'bunshou'.

It is a 'confidential document.' These are documents that contain sensitive information and are restricted to specific personnel.

You can say '重要な文書' (juuyou na bunsho) or '大事な文書' (daiji na bunsho).