文語

ぶんご · bungo

JLPT N1

Meaning

literary language; classical language; written language (in contrast to spoken language)

Examples

• 日本の古典文学は、主に文語で書かれています。 — Japanese classical literature is mainly written in literary language.
• 文語と口語では、文法や語彙が大きく異なります。 — Literary language and spoken language differ greatly in grammar and vocabulary.
• この古い歌は文語で書かれているため、現代人には少し難しいかもしれません。 — Since this old song is written in literary language, it might be a bit difficult for modern people.