Meaning

Primary

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
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since 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

  • 文学の先生

    a literature teacher

    文学の一つ

    one genre of literature, one literary work

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