1.
writing brush; calligraphy brush
A brush made with animal hair used for calligraphy and traditional East Asian painting. Also refers to the style of writing done with such a brush, as opposed to pen or pencil.
毛筆で名前を書く。
To write one's name with a brush.
小学校の授業で毛筆を習った。
I learned brush writing in elementary school classes.
年賀状の宛名は毛筆で書くと格式が高く見える。
Writing the addresses on New Year's cards with a brush makes them look more formal and elegant.
USAGE:
毛筆 refers both to the physical brush instrument and to the practice of writing with a brush. In Japanese schools, 毛筆 is taught as part of 書写 (penmanship) classes starting in third grade.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 毛筆で書く (to write with a brush)
- 毛筆書き (brush writing)
- 毛筆の練習 (brush writing practice)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 毛筆: writing brush / brush writing (the instrument or technique)
- 筆: brush (general term, also used figuratively for writing ability)
- 硬筆: hard-tip writing (pen, pencil — contrast to 毛筆)
- 書道: calligraphy (the art form itself)