1.
new-form kanji; simplified character form
The simplified forms of kanji adopted as standard in Japan after the 1946 postwar script reform. These replaced the more complex 旧字体 (old-form kanji) for everyday use.
Composed of 新 (new), 字 (character), and 体 (form, style). The standard kanji forms used in Japan today. The simplification reduced stroke counts to make reading and writing easier. Not all kanji were simplified — only those deemed overly complex received new forms.
Common collocations
- 新字体に改める — to convert to new-form kanji
- 新字体と旧字体 — new-form and old-form kanji
- 新字体の漢字 — new-form kanji characters
Related words
- 旧字体 — old-form kanji; the traditional, more complex forms replaced by 新字体
- 常用漢字 — kanji for common use; the official list of kanji approved for everyday use
- 簡体字 — simplified Chinese characters; a similar but more extensive simplification used in mainland China
Cultural note
Japan's simplification was more conservative than China's. Many 新字体 are identical to or close to the traditional forms, while Chinese 簡体字 often differ drastically.
Related Words
Related:
旧字体 (old-form kanji)
Related:
常用漢字 (kanji for common use)
Related:
簡体字 (simplified Chinese characters)
Compare:
正字 (standard character form)