Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 書類 | shorui | [ɕo̞ɾɯ̟i] (narrow) |
| 文書 | bunsho | [bɯ̟̃ɰ̃ɕo̞] (narrow) [mõ̞ɲ̟d͡ʑo̞] (narrow) |
| ドキュメント | dokyumento | [do̞kʲɨmẽ̞nto̞] (narrow) |
The term used depends on whether you are referring to administrative paperwork, a formal written text or technical digital files. 書類 is a versatile word for a document and is widely used in formal and business contexts. 文書 is used for written materials or official records. If you need to specify public or government documents, the term 公文書 is used.
Which one should you use?
書類 is the most common term for physical or digital paperwork used in daily business and administrative contexts. 文書 is slightly more formal than 書類 and refers more to the content or the written text itself, often appearing in academic or legal contexts to mean a "written document" or "text". ドキュメント is a loanword typically used in technical or IT settings, such as for software documentation or digital files.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 書類 does not change form to indicate plurality. Like in English, the context determines whether you are referring to one document or many.
How do you pronounce it?
shorui
Did you know?
- In Japanese offices, the process of organizing 書類 is often tied to the concept of '5S', a workplace organization method that originated in Toyota's manufacturing plants.
- The word 文書 can be pronounced as 'bunsho' or 'monjo'. While 'bunsho' is common today, 'monjo' is an older reading and is often used for historical archives.
- The term 公文書 describes official government documents, and the 'leakage of public documents' is a specific and serious legal concept in Japanese political discourse.
Examples in context
- 私は書類に署名した。I attached my signature to the document.This sentence shows how to use the form 書類 when signing a document.Tatoeba #155942 by bunbuku, translation #258594 by CK
- この文書は１部しかない。There's only one copy of this document.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form 文書 when discussing a single copy of a record.Tatoeba #10906810 by SomeHungryBois, translation #4084379 by CK
- その書類をもう一度調べた。We checked the document again.This sentence shows how to use the form 書類 when checking a document.Tatoeba #209397 by bunbuku, translation #46658 by CK
- 彼が求めている書類を提出してください。Please submit the documents he is requesting.
- この文書は大切に保管してください。Please keep this document safe.
- この公文書は発行手続きが必要です。This official document requires an issuance procedure.
- このドキュメントを確認してください。Please check this document.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are at the office preparing for a meeting.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、会議の書類は準備できましたか？Kenta-san, kaigi no shorui wa junbi dekimashita ka?Kenta, are the documents for the meeting ready?
- 健太 Kentaはい、今コピーしています。Hai, ima kopii shite imasu.Yes, I am copying them now.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。机に置いてください。Arigatou gozaimasu. Tsukue ni oite kudasai.Thank you. Please put them on the desk.
- 健太 Kentaわかりました。すぐに持っていきます。Wakarimashita. Sugu ni motte ikimasu.Got it. I'll bring them right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “document” translations and entries 書類, 文書, ドキュメント, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ドキュメント, 文書, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
