1.
vertical writing, top-to-bottom writing
The traditional Japanese writing direction where text runs from top to bottom and columns proceed from right to left. Used in novels, newspapers, formal letters, and traditional documents. Contrasts with horizontal writing.
日本の小説は縦書きが多い。
Japanese novels are mostly written vertically.
年賀状は縦書きで書くのが一般的だ。
It is common to write New Year's cards in vertical format.
ワープロの設定を横書きから縦書きに変更した。
I changed the word processor setting from horizontal to vertical writing.
CULTURE:
縦書き is the traditional writing direction in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. In Japan, it remains the standard for novels, literary magazines, and formal correspondence. Newspapers use both 縦書き (for articles) and 横書き (for headlines and advertisements). Digital text is increasingly 横書き, but e-readers often offer a 縦書き option.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 横書き: horizontal writing (left to right)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 縦書きで書く: write vertically
- 縦書きに変更する: change to vertical writing
- 縦書き表示: vertical text display