1.
written language; written word
Language as used in writing, as opposed to spoken language. Encompasses the vocabulary, grammar, and style characteristic of written communication.
書き言葉と話し言葉は違う。
Written language and spoken language are different.
日本語の書き言葉には漢語が多い。
Japanese written language contains many Sino-Japanese words.
この表現は書き言葉としては固すぎるので、もう少し柔らかい言い方にしましょう。
This expression is too stiff as written language, so let's use a softer way of saying it.
A compound of 書き (writing) and 言葉 (language; words). In Japanese, the gap between written and spoken language is significant. Written Japanese tends to use more Sino-Japanese compounds (漢語), longer sentences, and formal grammar, while spoken Japanese uses more native Japanese words (和語), contractions, and casual forms.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 書き言葉と話し言葉: written and spoken language
- 書き言葉の表現: written expression
- 書き言葉で書く: to write in written-style language
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 話し言葉: spoken language — the counterpart to 書き言葉
- 文語: literary language — specifically the classical written style, as opposed to modern written Japanese
- 口語: colloquial language — modern spoken style, often contrasted with 文語