Translation and Meaning of: 文学 - bungaku

The word 「文学」 (bungaku) is a combination of the characters 「文」 and 「学」。The first ideogram, 「文」 (bun), means "sentence," "writing," or "text." The second ideogram, 「学」 (gaku), represents "study" or "learning." Together, these characters form the term for "literature," encompassing both the art or craft of composing texts and the study of written works.

The etymology of 「文学」 reflects the historical and cultural importance of literature in the Japanese context and in other places influenced by Chinese writing culture. In ancient China, where many of the kanji originated, mastery of classical literature was an indicator of learning and erudition. The adoption of the term in Japan followed a similar path, where literature became a central pillar in formal education and cultural development.

Throughout Japanese history, literature ("bungaku") has played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of culture and tradition. This influence is evident from the Nara period, with works such as "Kojiki" and "Man'yōshū", to modern times, with the proliferation of novels, short stories, and poetry. Literature has evolved but remains a vital part of Japanese cultural identity, reflecting social, political, and artistic changes over time.

Furthermore, the word 「文学」 unfolds into various subgenres and literary movements, alluding to a rich tapestry of styles and traditions. In contemporary Japanese, there are derived terms like 「文学作品」 (bungaku sakuhin) for literary works, and 「文学者」 (bungakusha) to refer to literary figures or scholars of literature. The vitality of 「文学」 in Japan is a testament to the deep connection between society and its modes of written expression.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 文芸 (Bungei) - Literary art, artistic expression through literature.
• 文筆 (Bunpitsu) - Writing, the act of writing, usually in a literary or journalistic context.
• 文壇 (Bundan) - Literary scene, the universe or community of writers and literary works.
• 文化 (Bunka) - Culture, the set of knowledge, beliefs, and artistic expressions of a society, including literature.
• 文学界 (Bungakukai) - Literary world, sphere or domain in which literature is created and discussed.

文学

Romaji: bungaku
Kana: ぶんがく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: Literature

Meaning in English: literature

Definition: A field of literary T3ST32s and works created through linguistic expression.

Example Sentences - (文学) bungaku

See below some example sentences:

文芸は芸術と文学を組み合わせたものです。

Bungei wa geijutsu to bungaku o kumiawaseta mono desu

Bungei is a combination of art and literature.

Literature is a combination of art and literature.

• 文芸 - literatura
• は - Topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 芸術 - means "art" in Japanese.
• と - Connector particle, used to connect two words or phrases.
• 文学 - literatura
• を - Direct object pronoun, used to indicate the object of the action.
• 組み合わせた - verb that means "combine" or "join".
• もの - noun meaning "thing".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate the state or condition.

私は文学が大好きです。

Watashi wa bungaku ga daisuki desu

I love literature.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 文学 (bungaku) - "literature" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 大好き (daisuki) - means "like very much" in Japanese
• です (desu) - polite way of "being" in Japanese