Translation and Meaning of: 筆 - fude

The word 「筆」 (fude) is a Japanese noun that means "brush." This object is traditionally used for Japanese calligraphy and painting, being an essential tool in Japan's culture. The etymology of the word reveals the combination of two elements: the radical「⺾」, which refers to vegetation or plants, and the radical「聿」, which symbolizes writing. This references the plant materials used in the production of the brush and its main function, writing.

The brush 「筆」 (fude) has become a central part of Japanese siku art due to the importance of calligraphy in various cultural traditions in the country. The practice of calligraphy, known as 「書道」 (shodou), is not limited to merely tracing characters but also involves the artistic and spiritual expression of the individual executing it. In calligraphy, the fude is used to create expressive and fluid strokes that reflect the skill and emotions of the writer.

In addition to its application in calligraphy, the fude is also a fundamental tool in Japanese visual arts. Ink paintings, especially those that follow the 「水墨画」 (sumi-e) style, use the fude to capture the essence of the portrayed theme with minimal brush strokes. The design of the brush, which varies in terms of tip and flexibility, allows for its versatile use in different artistic techniques and styles.

The tradition of making 「筆」 (fude) artisanally persists to this day in specific regions of Japan, such as Nara and Kumano, famous for their production of high-quality brushes. The crafting of a fude involves careful selection of materials, such as bamboo for the handle and hairs from various animals for the tip, and is considered a meticulous process that is highly respected within Japanese culture.

Thus, 「筆」 (fude) goes beyond being a simple tool for writing and painting; it is deeply integrated into the Japanese cultural heritage. The practice with fude not only preserves millennia-old traditions but also promotes the continuity of arts and crafts passed down from generation to generation. Throughout the centuries, this small-looking tool, yet vastly significant, continues to evolve while keeping alive an important part of Japan's history and artistic spirit.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• ペン (pen) - pen
• 筆記用具 (hikkisougu) - Writing instrument
• 筆記具 (hikkigu) - writing material
• 筆ペン (fudepen) - Brush pen
• 筆書きペン (fudegaki pen) - Brush pen
• 筆記用ペン (hikkiyou pen) - Pen for writing
• 書きペン (kaki pen) - Pen for writing
• 筆書き用具 (fudegaki yougu) - Brush tracing tool

筆

Romaji: fude
Kana: ふで
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: brush for writing

Meaning in English: writing brush

Definition: A tool in hand to write or draw.

Example Sentences - (筆) fude

See below some example sentences:

私は随筆を書くことが好きです。

Watashi wa zuihitsu o kaku koto ga suki desu

I like to write essays.

I like to write an essay.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 随筆 - noun that means "essay" or "personal writing"
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action
• 書く - Verb meaning "to write"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "action"
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action
• 好き - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of the sentence

私は万年筆で手紙を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa mannenhitsu de tegami o kaku no ga suki desu

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 万年筆 (mannenhitsu) - noun meaning "fountain pen"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 手紙 (tegami) - noun meaning "letter"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 書く (kaku) - Verb meaning "to write"
• の (no) - particle indicating the nominalization of the verb
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense

筆記をすることは大切です。

Hikki wo suru koto wa taisetsu desu

Taking notes is important.

It's important to write.

• 筆記 - handwriting
• を - direct object particle
• する - make
• こと - thing
• は - Topic particle
• 大切 - important
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present