書
書 means to write, writing, or a document. It covers the physical act of writing as well as the result, such as a book, document, or piece of calligraphy.
Reading
On’yomi: ショ (sho)
Kun’yomi: か-く (ka-ku)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 書 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | write, writing, document |
| Stroke Count | 10 |
| JLPT Level | N4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
書 emphasizes the written form of language. 書く describes the action of writing, while 書 in compounds points to written materials, records, or the skill of writing. It contrasts naturally with 話す (to speak): 書 is the written channel, 話 is the spoken one. In formal or academic contexts, 書 carries a sense of precision and permanence.
Common Words
- 書く（かく / kaku） — to write
- 書き方（かきかた / kakikata） — how to write, way of writing
- 教科書（きょうかしょ / kyoukasho） — textbook
- 図書館（としょかん / toshokan） — library
- 書道（しょどう / shodou） — calligraphy, the art of writing
- 書類（しょるい / shorui） — documents, paperwork
Example Sentences
-
友だちに手紙を書きました。
ともだちにてがみをかきました。 / Tomodachi ni tegami o kakimashita.
I wrote a letter to my friend.
-
名前の書き方を教えてください。
なまえのかきかたをおしえてください。 / Namae no kakikata o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me how to write the name.
-
図書館でたくさんの本を借りました。
としょかんでたくさんのほんをかりました。 / Toshokan de takusan no hon o karimashita.
I borrowed many books from the library.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
The most important word is 書く, meaning ‘to write.’ A very useful compound is 教科書 (textbook), which every student encounters early. 図書館 (library) is another high-frequency compound worth learning together with 書. Note that 書道 (calligraphy) uses 書 in the sense of writing as a refined skill.
Summary
書 is fundamental for talking about writing, documents, and written materials in Japanese.