What is the Kanji for "Write"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Write", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Write" is "書".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Ka".

Its onyomi reading is "Sho".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The radical "聿" means "Brush" . And The kanji "日" means "Day" and "Sun" and can be read as "Jitsu", "Nichi", "Hi", and "Ka".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "書" mean in japanese?

"書" means "Write".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

書く: "Write". The Japanese verb '書く (かく)' means 'to write'. This verb is used to describe the action of putting words, symbols, or characters onto a surface using a pen, pencil, or other writing tool. It can be used for various types of writing, such as writing letters, essays, or notes. For example: I write a letter - (手紙を書く) or She writes beautifully - (彼女は美しく書きます).

書き直す: "Rewrite". The Japanese verb '書き直す (かきなおす)' means 'to rewrite'. This verb is used when you need to revise or make changes to a written document or text. It implies that the original version was insufficient or needed improvement, and a new version is being created. For example: I need to rewrite my essay - (私は私のエッセイを書き直す必要がある). She rewrote her paper several times - (彼女は彼女の論文を何度も書き直した).

図書館: "Library". The Japanese noun '図書館 (としょかん)' means 'library'. This word refers to a building or institution that houses a collection of books and other materials for reading, study, or reference. Libraries play an important role in education and providing access to information. For example: I studied at the library - (図書館で勉強しました). The library has many books - (図書館には多くの本があります).

書: "Writing". The Japanese suffix '書 (しょ)' means 'writing'. This suffix is often used to form words related to writing, such as 書 (かきかた) meaning 'writing, penmanship' or 書家 (しょか) meaning 'calligrapher'. It can be added to other words to indicate a profession or field related to writing. For example: 詩 + 書 = 詩書 (ししょ) meaning 'poetry writing', 書道 (しょどう) meaning 'calligraphy'.

書き方: "Writing". The Japanese noun '書き方 (かきかた)' means 'writing'. This noun refers to the way or method of writing something down, either by hand or using a computer. It can describe the technique, style, or format used when putting words onto paper or a digital document. For example: The correct writing style - (正しい書き方). What is the proper writing method? - (書き方はどうすればいいですか？)

書き取る: "Write down" or "Transcribe". The Japanese verb '書き取る (かきとる)' means 'to write down' or 'to transcribe'. It is used when you want to write down or transcribe something, such as taking notes from a lecture or copying information from a document. For example: I wrote down the important points in my notebook - (重要なポイントをノートに書き取った). She transcribed the recording word-for-word - (彼女はレコーディングを言葉どおりに書き取った).

図書室: "Library". The Japanese noun '図書室 (としょしつ)' refers to a library, which is a building or room where books, magazines, and other printed materials are housed and made available for people to read, borrow, or refer to. Libraries can be found in schools, universities, public places, and other institutions. For example: I went to the library to borrow some books - (本を借りるために図書室へ行きました)。The library has many shelves of books - (図書室には本がたくさんの棚にあります).

教科書: "Textbook". The Japanese noun '教科書 (きょうかしょ)' refers to a textbook or a book used for the purposes of formal education. Textbooks are an essential tool in schools and universities, containing the core curriculum content for a particular subject. For example: He opened his textbook - (彼は教科書を開いた). I need to buy a new textbook for my math class - (私は数学の新しい教科書を買う必要があります).

横書き: "Horizontal writing". The Japanese noun '横書き (よこがき)' means 'horizontal writing'. This refers to writing or text that is arranged horizontally across a page, as opposed to vertical 'tategaki' writing. Horizontal writing is common in Western languages as well as modern Japanese, and is often used for things like books, newspapers, and documents. Example: She writes in horizontal style - (彼女は横書きで書きます).

文書: "Document". The Japanese noun '文書 (ぶんしょ)' refers to a written piece of text or paper that contains official or important information. It is used to describe a formal written record or statement, such as a contract, report, or legal document. For example: The company gave me an important document to sign - (会社は私に重要な文書に署名するよう渡しました).

書留: "Registered". The noun '書留 (かきとめ)' refers to a registered or recorded mail or correspondence. It implies that the item has been officially recorded, tracked, or documented by the postal or communication service. This type of mail service provides proof of delivery and additional security compared to regular unregistered mail. For example: I sent the important documents by registered mail - (重要書類は書留郵便で送りました).

図書: "Book". The Japanese noun '図書 (としょ)' means 'book'. This word refers to a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. It is commonly used to describe any type of bound printed material, from novels to textbooks. For example: I borrowed a book from the library - (図書館から図書を借りた). My favorite book is on the shelf - (私のお気に入りの図書がその棚にある).

絵葉書: "Postcard". The Japanese noun '絵葉書 (えはがき)' refers to a postcard, which is a card with an image or illustration printed on it that can be sent through the mail. Postcards are often used to send greetings, photographs, or brief messages to others. For example: I sent a postcard from my vacation - (私は旅行の絵葉書を送りました).

本書: "Book". The noun '本書 (ほんしょ)' refers to a specific book or publication. It is a formal and polite way of referring to a book, often used in academic or literary contexts. For example: This book is very well-written - (この本書はとてもよく書かれています).

下書き: "Draft". The Japanese verbal noun '下書き (したがき)' means 'draft'. This term refers to an initial or preliminary version of a written work, before the final version is completed. It is commonly used when writing or composing something, such as an essay, article, or report. For example: I need to finish my draft before submitting the final paper - (最終版を提出する前に下書きを仕上げる必要がある). Please review my draft and provide feedback - (下書きをご確認ください)

後書き: "Afterword". The Japanese noun '後書き (あとがき)' refers to an afterword or a concluding section to a book or written work. It is placed at the end of the main text and often includes the author's final thoughts, reflections, or commentary on the work. For example: The author included an afterword where she explained her inspiration for the story - (作者は物語への着想を説明する後書きを付けた).

書道: "Calligraphy". The Japanese noun '書道 (しょどう)' refers to the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. It involves the skillful writing of characters using a brush and ink. Calligraphy is highly valued in Japanese culture and is considered a refined and sophisticated form of artistic expression. Examples: She is studying calligraphy - (彼女は書道を勉強している). Calligraphy exhibition - (書道展)

書類: "Documents". The Japanese noun '書類 (しょるい)' refers to official written papers, documents or paperwork. It can be used to describe a wide variety of formal documents such as application forms, official reports, certificates, contracts, and so on. For example: She submitted the necessary documents - (彼女は必要な書類を提出した). I need to file these documents at work - (仕事で、これらの書類を提出しなければいけない).

書き取り: "Dictation". 書き取り (かきとり)' is a Japanese noun that refers to the practice of listening to spoken language, such as a teacher reading aloud, and writing down what is heard. It is a common exercise in language learning to improve listening comprehension and spelling skills. For example: The teacher gave a dictation exercise - (先生が書き取りの課題を出しました). Dictation is an important part of Japanese language education.

願書: "Application". The Japanese noun '願書 (がんしょ)' means 'application'. An application is a formal written request for something, such as a job, school admission, or other opportunity. It typically includes information about the applicant and their qualifications. For example: I submitted my university application - (私は大学の願書を提出しました). The applicant filled out the application form - (応募者は願書に記入しました).

参考書: "Reference book". The noun '参考書 (さんこうしょ)' refers to a book that is used as a reference or source of information on a particular topic. These books provide detailed explanations, facts, and data that can be consulted to gain knowledge or aid in research. They are commonly used by students, researchers, and professionals. For example: I will study from the reference book - (参考書で勉強する). This reference book has a lot of useful information - (この参考書には有用な情報がたくさん載っている).

書き言葉: "Written language". The noun '書き言葉 (かきことば)' refers to written language, or the form of language used in written texts. This is in contrast to 話し言葉 (はなしことば), which refers to spoken language. 書き言葉 is used in formal and academic contexts, like books, newspapers and essays, and tends to have a more complex and technical vocabulary compared to 話し言葉. For example: He prefers to express himself in written language - (彼は書き言葉で自分を表現するのを好む).

書店: "Bookstore". The Japanese noun '書店 (しょてん)' refers to a retail establishment that primarily sells books, magazines, and other publications. Bookstores in Japan often carry a wide selection of both Japanese and foreign language books, as well as other media like DVDs and stationery. They are an important part of the cultural landscape in Japan. For example: I enjoy browsing the bookstore - (書店で本を探すのが好きです). She works at the local bookstore - (彼女は地元の書店で働いています).

聖書: "Bible". The Japanese word '聖書 (せいしょ)' refers to the Bible, which is the central religious text of Christianity and Judaism. It is considered a sacred text and is highly revered by followers of those faiths. The word '聖書' literally means 'holy text' or 'sacred book'. The Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament, and is an important source of spiritual guidance and teachings for Christians and Jews. For example: I read the Bible every Sunday - (私は毎日日曜日に聖書を読む).

秘書: "Secretary". The Japanese noun '秘書 (ひしょ)' means 'secretary'. This word refers to an administrative assistant who provides support to a manager or executive. Secretaries are responsible for tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling correspondence, and organizing files. They play an important role in maintaining the smooth operation of an office. For example: My boss's secretary is very efficient - (上司の秘書はとてもいつもブラブラしている). The secretary has been working here for 10 years - (その秘書はここで10年間働いている).

読書: "Reading". The Japanese verbal noun '読書 (どくしょ)' refers to the activity of reading. This noun is used to describe the act of engaging with written text, whether it be books, newspapers, magazines, or any other form of written material. Reading is an important part of Japanese culture and education. For example: I enjoy reading books - (本を読書するのが好きです). Reading is my hobby - (読書が私の趣味です).

読み書き: "Literacy". The noun '読み書き (よみかき)' refers to the ability to read and write. It encompasses both reading comprehension and writing skills. This term is often used when discussing educational attainment or basic competencies. For example: She has good literacy skills - (彼女は読み書きの能力が高い). Improving literacy is an important goal for schools - (読み書きの力を高めることは、学校にとって重要な目標である).

書物: "Book". The Japanese word '書物 (しょもつ)' refers to a book, manuscript, or other written material. This word emphasizes the physical, tangible nature of the written work, in contrast with the more abstract concept of 'text' or 'literature'. '書物' is commonly used to describe bound volumes, scrolls, or other traditional forms of the written word. For example: The old library contained many valuable books - (その古い図書館には価値のある書物がたくさんあった)

書き込む: "Write in". The Japanese verb '書き込む (かきこむ)' means 'to write in'. This verb is used to describe the action of writing something down, especially in a book, document, or other written material. It conveys the idea of adding written content to an existing space. For example: I wrote my name in the notebook - (ノートに名前を書き込んだ). She wrote in the margins of the book - (彼女は本の余白に書き込んだ).

書簡: "Letter". The noun '書簡 (しょかん)' means 'letter'. It refers to a formal written message typically sent from one person to another. '書簡' can be used to describe letters, correspondence, or communications transmitted in written form. For example: I received an important letter from the company - (会社から重要な書簡を受け取った). He sent a letter to his friend - (彼は友人に書簡を送った).

辞書: "Dictionary". The Japanese noun '辞書 (じしょ)' means 'dictionary'. A dictionary is a reference book that provides definitions and information about words, often listed in alphabetical order. Dictionaries are commonly used to look up the meaning, spelling, pronunciation, and other details of words in a language. For example: I need to use the dictionary to check the definition of this word - (この言葉の意味を調べるためにディクショナリーを使わなければなりません)

著書: "Book". The noun '著書 (ちょしょ)' means 'book'. This word refers to a written work, usually a published book, that was authored by someone. It can be used to talk about books that someone has written, such as: 彼の著書は面白い - (His book is interesting). 彼女の新しい著書が発売されます - (Her new book will be released).

書記: "Clerk". The Japanese noun '書記 (しょき)' means 'clerk'. This noun refers to a person whose job is to record or keep track of information, such as a secretary or administrative assistant. They are often responsible for tasks like writing, filing, and organizing office documents. For example: The clerk helped me find the file I needed - (書記が必要なファイルを見つけるのに助けてくれた). The office has several clerks who manage the daily paperwork - (事務所には日々の書類処理を担当する書記がいく人かいる).

領収書: "Receipt". The Japanese noun '領収書 (りょうしゅうしょ)' refers to a document that serves as proof of a transaction or payment. It is typically issued by a seller or service provider to a customer as a record of the goods or services purchased and the amount paid. The '領収書' is an important document that may be required for tax, accounting, or other legal purposes. For example: I need the receipt to get reimbursed - (領収書が必要です。払い戻しをするために). Could you please give me the receipt? - (領収書をください)

書紀: "Chronicle". The Japanese noun '書紀 (しょき)' refers to an official historical record or chronicle. It typically describes a comprehensive account of events, people, and happenings in a country or region over a particular period of time. The '書紀' is considered an important primary source for understanding the history and culture of ancient Japan. For example: The Kojiki is an ancient Japanese chronicle - (古事記は古代日本の書紀である).

書房: "Bookshop". The Japanese noun '書房 (しょぼう)' means 'bookshop'. A '書房' is a small independent bookstore that sells a variety of books, often specializing in certain genres or topics. These shops are common in Japan and are frequented by bibliophiles and those looking for unique or hard-to-find publications. Example sentences: I went to a charming bookshop downtown - (市内にある素敵な書房に行った). The bookshop had a great selection of Japanese literature - (その書房には日本文学の良い品揃えがあった).

葉書: "Postcard". The Japanese noun '葉書 (はがき)' refers to a postcard, a small card typically sent through the mail to convey a brief message. Postcards are popular for sending greetings, holiday wishes, or simple notes. They are often simpler and cheaper to send than letters. For example: I sent a postcard from my vacation - (私は旅行から葉書を送りました).

縦書き: "Vertical writing". The Japanese noun '縦書き (たてがき)' refers to the traditional way of writing vertically from top to bottom and right to left, as opposed to the more common horizontal writing direction. Vertical writing is still commonly used in things like books, newspapers, signs, and traditional documents in Japan. For example: This book is written in vertical script - (このほんは縦書きです). The text is aligned vertically - (文字が縦書きに並んでいます).

履歴書: "Résumé". The Japanese noun '履歴書 (りれきしょ)' refers to a résumé or curriculum vitae, a document that provides a summary of an individual's educational and professional background, skills, and achievements. It is an important document in the job application process, as it allows employers to quickly assess a candidate's qualifications. For example: He submitted his résumé for the job opening - (その求人に彼は履歴書を提出した).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "か" is read as "ka". And The hiragana "し" is read as "shi".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.