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:

この書類には正確な情報が記載されています。

Kono shorui ni wa seikaku na joho ga kisai sarete imasu

This document contains accurate information.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 書類 - noun "document"
• には - Topic marking particle
• 正確な - adjective "precise, exact"
• 情報 - noun "information"
• が - subject particle
• 記載されています - verb "to be written, to be recorded"

この書類の内容は正確ですか？

Kono shorui no naiyo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is the contents of this document?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 内容 - noun meaning "content" or "information"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present and formal tenses
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この書類には署名が必要です。

Kono shorui ni wa shomei ga hitsuyou desu

This documentation requires a signature.

This document requires signature.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document"
• には - particle that indicates the location and focus of the sentence, in this case, "in the document"
• 署名 - noun that means "signature"
• が - particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case, "signature"
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この書類には重要な事項が含まれています。

Kono shorui ni wa juuyou na jikou ga fukumarete imasu

This document contains important matters.

• この書類 - This documentation
• には - have
• 重要な - important
• 事項 - Information
• が - are
• 含まれています - included