Translation and Meaning of: 随筆 - zuihitsu

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 随筆 (ずいひつ). It may not be very common in everyday life, but it carries a rich and historical meaning. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in the Japanese language, and even tips for memorizing it. If you want to better understand the cultural context behind 随筆 or simply expand your vocabulary, keep reading!

随筆 (ずいひつ) means "essay" or "random notes" in English. It refers to a literary form where the author expresses personal thoughts and reflections on various topics, often in a free-flowing manner.

随筆 is a Japanese word that can be translated as "informal essays" or "personal writings." Unlike academic texts or structured novels, it refers to loose reflections, observations of everyday life, or even literary chronicles. The term is often associated with authors who record spontaneous thoughts, without a rigid narrative line.

In Japan, this style of writing has ancient roots, dating back to periods such as the Heian period (794-1185), when nobles and poets recorded impressions about life at court. Today, 随筆 is still a valued genre, especially in magazines and newspaper columns, where writers share personal perspectives on varied themes.

Origin and history of 随筆

The word 随筆 is composed of two kanji: 随 (ずい), which means "to follow" or "to accompany", and 筆 (ひつ), which refers to "brush" or "writing". Together, they convey the idea of "following the writing", or allowing words to flow naturally. This concept has parallels with the Chinese tradition of literary essays, which has influenced Japanese culture over the centuries.

One of the most famous examples of 随筆 in Japan is "The Pillow Book" (枕草子, Makura no Sōshi), written by the court lady Sei Shōnagon in the 11th century. The work gathers sharp observations about life in the imperial court, blending humor, criticism, and poetry. This free and introspective style helped to consolidate the genre in the country.

How is 随筆 used in Japan today?

Although it is not a commonly used term, 随筆 still appears in literary and journalistic contexts. Many contemporary authors publish collections of short essays in magazines or books, covering topics ranging from philosophical themes to travel accounts. It is common to find columns in newspapers that follow this format, offering a more personal perspective on current events.

For Japanese learners, recognizing 随筆 can be helpful when exploring authentic texts. If you enjoy reading in Japanese, looking for this type of content is a great way to practice the language while absorbing aspects of the culture. Some publishers even release collections of 随筆 adapted for learners, with more accessible vocabulary.

Tips for memorizing 随筆

If you want to keep this word in your repertoire, one strategy is to associate the kanjis with their meaning. Remember that 随 conveys the idea of "flowing" and 筆 represents "writing." Together, they form the concept of a text that follows the flow of thoughts, without rigidity. Repeating this logic mentally can help to fix the term.

Another tip is to seek real examples of 随筆, such as excerpts from "The Pillow Book" or modern essays. Seeing the word in context makes it easier to understand its use and application. If you use apps like Anki, creating cards with short sentences containing 随筆 can also reinforce memorization.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• エッセイ (Essei) - Text written in prose about a specific theme, usually with a personal opinion.
• 作文 (Sakubun) - Written text, often done as an exercise or school assignment.
• 文章 (Bunshou) - A text or passage written, usually more formal and structured.
• 論文 (Ronbun) - Academic article or research paper that presents a detailed argumentation or analysis.
• 筆記 (Hikki) - Written notes or the practice of note-taking.
• 筆耕 (Hikkou) - Writing activity often refers to an artistic or handcrafted writing style.
• 筆記録 (Hikkiroku) - Handwritten records, such as notes or documents.
• 筆記帳 (Hikkichou) - Notebook used for notes, usually in an organized manner.
• 筆記用具 (Hikki yougu) - Writing instruments, such as pens and pencils.
• 筆跡 (Hisseki) - Style or characteristic of a person's writing.
• 筆法 (Bippou) - Method or writing style, touching on the techniques used.
• 筆力 (Hikiryoku) - Power or ability of writing, encompassing fluency and expressiveness.
• 筆力向上 (Hikiryoku koujou) - Improvement or enhancement of writing skills.
• 筆遣い (Hizukai) - Use or technique of writing, often referring to expression style.
• 筆者 (Hissha) - Author or writer of a specific text.
• 筆頭 (Hitto) - Principal or primary author in a written work.
• 筆頭作家 (Hitto sakka) - Main author in a certain literary genre.
• 筆頭著者 (Hitto chosha) - Main author of a published work.
• 筆頭詩人 (Hitto shijin) - Main poet in a collection or anthology.
• 筆頭小説家 (Hitto shousetsuka) - Main or prominent novelist in a specific field.
• 筆頭漫画家 (Hitto mangaka) - Main artist of comics or manga in a series or anthology.
• 筆頭画家 (Hitto gaka) - Main painter recognized in a movement or collection.
• 筆頭アーティスト (Hitto aatisuto) - Lead artist in an exhibition or art movement.
• 筆頭芸術家 (Hitto geijutsuka) - Prominent artist recognized for his contribution to the arts.
• 筆頭作曲家 (Hitto sakkyokuka) - Principal composer in a musical piece or series of works.

随筆

Romaji: zuihitsu
Kana: ずいひつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Essay; miscellaneous writings

Meaning in English: essays;miscellaneous writings

Definition: Text that provides learning and insights to the reader.

Example Sentences - (随筆) zuihitsu

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