1.
to spell, to write out letters
To write out the letters or characters that form a word.
この単語はどう綴りますか。
How do you spell this word?
名前をローマ字で綴る。
To spell one's name in Roman letters.
この綴りは間違っていませんか。
Isn't this spelling wrong?
The noun form 綴り means 'spelling.'
2.
to compose, to write, to put into words
To express thoughts, feelings, or experiences in written form. Implies a more literary or heartfelt style of writing.
日記に想いを綴る。
To put one's feelings into words in a diary.
旅の思い出を綴った本を出版した。
They published a book recounting memories of their travels.
彼は戦争の体験を丁寧に綴った。
He carefully wrote about his wartime experiences.
綴る has two distinct uses: spelling (sense 1) and literary composition (sense 2).
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: Transitive (他動詞)
- Pattern: 〜を綴る
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 言葉を綴る (to compose words)
- 想いを綴る (to put feelings into writing)
- 手紙を綴る (to compose a letter)
- 日記に綴る (to write in a diary)
RELATED NOUN:
- 綴り: spelling (noun form)
USAGE: Sense 2 is more literary and implies a thoughtful, deliberate style of writing. For casual "writing," 書く is used instead.