筆(ふで)

ふで

noun

writing brush

1. writing brush

A traditional brush used for writing or painting with ink, especially in East Asian calligraphy.

To write kanji with a brush.

To use thick and thin brushes for different purposes.

In calligraphy, how you hold the brush is important.

After grinding ink and loading the brush, I wrote it all in one stroke.

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.

That person writes well.

筆が立つ = to be a good writer

My grandfather is skilled at brush writing.

筆が達者 = skilled at calligraphy/writing

He's been busy and has become a poor correspondent.

筆不精 = reluctant to write letters

That author is known for being a fast writer and publishes several books a year.

筆が速い = to write quickly/prolifically

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(ふで) is primarily used for traditional writing brushes in calligraphy, but also extends to writing ability.

COMMON PATTERNS:

COMPOUNDS:

core

Added 2026.1.13 0:33 · Revised 2026.5.27 3:11

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