1.
writing brush
A traditional brush used for writing or painting with ink, especially in East Asian calligraphy.
筆で漢字を書く。
To write kanji with a brush.
太い筆と細い筆を使い分ける。
To use thick and thin brushes for different purposes.
書道では筆の持ち方が大切だ。
In calligraphy, how you hold the brush is important.
墨をすって筆に含ませてから、一気に書き上げた。
After grinding ink and loading the brush, I wrote it all in one stroke.
年賀状の宛名を筆で書くと、手書きの温かみが伝わる。
Writing the addresses on New Year's cards with a brush conveys the warmth of handwriting.
年賀状 = New Year's card; 宛名 = addressee name
2.
writing, penmanship
By extension, one's skill or style in writing.
筆が立つ人だ。
That person writes well.
筆が立つ = to be a good writer
祖父は筆が達者だ。
My grandfather is skilled at brush writing.
筆が達者 = skilled at calligraphy/writing
彼は忙しくて筆不精になっている。
He's been busy and has become a poor correspondent.
筆不精 = reluctant to write letters
あの作家は筆が速いことで知られていて、一年に何冊も本を出す。
That author is known for being a fast writer and publishes several books a year.
筆が速い = to write quickly/prolifically
若いころは筆を執ることが多かったが、最近はパソコンばかり使っている。
When I was young I often took up the pen, but recently I've only been using a computer.
筆を執る = to take up the pen, to start writing
USAGE: 筆 is primarily used for traditional writing brushes in calligraphy, but also extends to writing ability.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 筆を執る (to take up the pen, to start writing)
- 筆を置く (to put down the pen, to stop writing)
- 筆が立つ (to write well)
- 筆不精 (reluctant to write letters)
COMPOUNDS:
- 毛筆 (brush writing)
- 鉛筆 (pencil)
- 筆記 (writing, taking notes)