文字(もんじ)

もんじ
noun
letter; character; writing
1. letter; character; writing; script
An alternative reading of 文字. Used in certain compounds and formal contexts.
象形文字(しょうけいもんじ)は絵(え)から発展(はってん)した。
Pictographs developed from pictures.
[Note: 象形文字 (pictograph) uses the もんじ reading]
楔形文字(くさびがたもんじ)は古代(こだい)メソポタミアで使(つか)われた。
Cuneiform was used in ancient Mesopotamia.
[Note: 楔形文字 (cuneiform) uses the もんじ reading]
この文字(もんじ)は読(よ)めない。
I cannot read this writing/script.

READING: 文字 has two readings:

  • もじ - common everyday reading
  • もんじ - used in certain compounds, especially for historical/academic writing systems

COMPOUNDS WITH もんじ:

  • 象形文字(しょうけいもんじ) (pictograph)
  • 楔形文字(くさびがたもんじ) (cuneiform)
  • 表音文字(ひょうおんもんじ) (phonetic character)
  • 表意文字(ひょういもんじ) (ideograph)
  • 梵字(ぼんじ) (Sanskrit characters)

NOTE: In general usage, もじ is the standard reading. もんじ is primarily found in academic terms for writing systems.

SIMILAR: 文字(もじ) (letter/character - common reading)

Related Words

Contrast: 文字(もじ) (letter (common reading))
general
Added 2026.1.13 19:53 · Revised 2026.2.4 22:23
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