Translation and Meaning of: 書類 - shorui

The Japanese word 書類 [しょるい] is a common term in everyday life and the workplace in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or have curiosity about the language, understanding its meaning, usage, and context can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from its translation and origin to practical memorization tips and examples of how this word appears in Japanese culture.

Shorui [しょるい] is frequently used in formal and bureaucratic situations, but it also appears in everyday conversations. Whether it's for filling out documents, organizing papers, or handling administrative processes, knowing this word can ease your communication in Japan. Let's dive into the details so you can use it with confidence.

Meaning and Translation of 書類[しょるい]

The term 書類 [しょるい] is translated into English as "document" or "paperwork." It refers to any type of written record, whether it be a contract, form, report, or even printed digital files. The word is composed of the kanjis 書 (to write) and 類 (type, category), which emphasizes its connection to organized written materials.

In Japan, 書類 is essential in corporate and government environments, where paperwork is taken very seriously. Unlike Portuguese, which can use "document" more broadly, しょるい tends to be more specific for physical or digital materials with bureaucratic value. If someone asks you to "書類を提出する" (submit the documents), it's best to have everything in order.

Origin and Historical Use

The origin of 書類 dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when Japanese bureaucracy began to formalize. At that time, written documents gained importance for commercial and governmental records. The kanji 書, which means "to write," had already been used since ancient times, while 類 (category) was added to classify different types of records.

With the modernization of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the word became consolidated in administrative vocabulary. Companies and institutions increasingly relied on 書類 to organize information. To this day, Japan maintains a culture of valuing physical documents, even with the growing digitization.

How to Memorize 書類[しょるい]

An effective way to remember 書類 is to associate its kanjis with practical situations. The first kanji, 書, appears in words like 辞書 (dictionary) and 書く (to write). Meanwhile, 類 is found in 種類 (type, variety). Thinking of "categories of written things" can help reinforce the meaning.

Another tip is to create flashcards with everyday phrases, such as "この書類にサインしてください" (Please sign this document). Repeating the term in real contexts reinforces memorization. Apps like Anki or the Suki Nihongo dictionary itself are great for practicing without forgetting.

Cultural Use and Curiosities

In Japan, 書類 carries significant cultural weight. Companies often maintain detailed physical files, and many processes still require stamps (判子) on printed documents. Even with technology, the tradition of stamping papers by hand persists in many offices.

One interesting fact is that Japanese people tend to be very organized with 書類, using folders and colored binders for everything. In dramas and animes, scenes of characters searching for documents in piles of paper are common, reflecting the importance (and sometimes the excess) of paperwork in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 書類 (shorui) - Formal documents, usually used for applications or administrative processes.
• 文書 (bunsho) - Written text or document, it can include any type of writing, not necessarily formal.
• 資料 (shiryou) - Materials or data used for research or reference can be more generic.
• ドキュメント (dokyumento) - The adapted term in English usually refers to digital files or electronic documents.

書類

Romaji: shorui
Kana: しょるい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: documents; official documents

Meaning in English: documents;official papers

Definition: Document: A piece of paper or cardboard that records information such as text or drawings.

Example Sentences - (書類) shorui

See below some example sentences:

この書類は交付されました。

Kono shorui wa kofu sare mashita

This document has been delivered.

This document has been issued.

• この - this
• 書類 - Document
• は - Topic particle
• 交付 - emission
• されました - was made

この書類には指定されたフォーマットに従って記入してください。

Kono shorui ni wa shitei sareta formatto ni shitagatte kinyuu shite kudasai

Please complete this document in the specified format.

Complete this document according to the specified format.

• この - this
• 書類 - Document
• には - indicates a location or a target
• 指定された - specified
• フォーマット - Format
• に従って - according to
• 記入してください - fill in

書類を提出してください。

Shorui wo teishutsu shite kudasai

Please present the documents.

Submit the documents.

• 書類 - Documents
• を - Direct object particle
• 提出 - Submission, delivery
• して - Conjunctive form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください - Imperative form of the verb "kudasai" (please)

この書類の記述は正確ですか？

Kono shorui no kijutsu wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this document accurate?

Is this document accurate?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 記述 - noun meaning "description" or "report"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この書類は正しい形式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa tadashii keishiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in the correct format.

Submit this document in the correct format.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
• 形式 - noun meaning "shape"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 提出 - noun meaning "submission"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai" (please do)

この書類の写しを取ってください。

Kono shorui no utsushi o totte kudasai

Please make a copy of this document.

Please take a copy of this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the document is "of this"
• 写し - noun that means "copy" or "reproduction"
• を - direct object particle that indicates that the action is performed on the "copy"
• 取って - verb "toru" in the -te form that means "to take" or "to obtain"
• ください - expression that indicates a request or solicitation, equivalent to "please"

この書類の詳細を教えてください。

Kono shorui no shosai o oshiete kudasai

Please advise the details of this document.

Please tell me the details of this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - possessive particle indicating that the preceding noun is the possessor of something
• 詳細 - noun meaning "details" or "precise information"
• を - direct object particle indicating that the preceding noun is the object of the action
• 教えて - verb meaning "teach" or "inform"
• ください - expression meaning "please" or "do"

この書類は正式な様式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa seishiki na yōshiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in an official format.

Submit this document in a formal style.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正式な - adjective meaning "formal" or "official"
• 様式 - noun meaning "shape" or "style"
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 提出して - verb meaning "to hand over" or "to submit"
• ください - expression indicating a request or request

この書類を整列してください。

Kono shorui wo seiretsu shite kudasai

Please organize these documents.

Align this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 整列 - verb that means "to organize" or "to arrange in a line"
• してください - expression that indicates a request or instruction, equivalent to "please do"

この書類の参照は必要です。

Kono shorui no sanshō wa hitsuyō desu

Reference to this document is required.

This document is required.

• この - indicates "this" or "this document"
• 書類 - means "document"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case "of the document"
• 参照 - means "reference" or "consultation"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the reference"
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form