Translation guide
The body of written works produced in the English language, often studied as an academic subject. In Japanese, the term can refer to the academic field, the literary works themselves, or the study of such works.
Referring to English literature as a discipline, major, or course of study.
The standard term for the academic study of English literature. Used for university departments, majors, and courses.
彼は大学で英文学を専攻している。
He is majoring in English literature at university.
英文学の授業はとても面白い。
English literature classes are very interesting.
Specifically refers to literature from the United Kingdom. Use when distinguishing from American or other English-language literatures.
イギリス文学とアメリカ文学の違いについて研究しています。
I'm researching the differences between British literature and American literature.
A broader term encompassing literature from all English-speaking regions. More academic and less common in everyday conversation.
この講義では英語圏文学の多様性を探ります。
This lecture explores the diversity of Anglophone literature.
Referring to the actual books, poems, plays, etc., written in English.
Can also refer to the body of literary works themselves, not just the academic field. Context usually clarifies.
彼は英文学の古典をたくさん読んでいる。
He has read many classics of English literature.
Explicitly refers to literary works written in English. Useful when you want to avoid ambiguity with the academic field.
英語の文学作品を原語で読むのは難しい。
Reading English literary works in the original language is difficult.
Referring to the subject taught in Japanese high schools that covers English reading and sometimes literature.
In the Japanese high school curriculum, this subject focuses on English expression and comprehension, often using literary texts. Not a direct translation of 'English literature' but the closest equivalent in that context.
高校の英語表現の授業でシェイクスピアを読んだ。
We read Shakespeare in our high school English class.
Another high school subject name that may include literature. The exact name varies by school and curriculum.
英語コミュニケーションの教科書には小説が載っている。
The English Communication textbook includes short stories.
英文学 (えいぶんがく) generally refers to the study of literature in English, often including American and other Anglophone literatures. イギリス文学 (イギリスぶんがく) specifically means British literature. In many contexts, 英文学 is the default and more common term.
英文学科ではアメリカ文学も学べます。
In the English literature department, you can also study American literature.
The direct loanword イングリッシュ文学 is not used. Always use 英文学 or イギリス文学.
大学で英文学を勉強しています。
I'm studying English literature at university.
彼女は英文学の専門家です。
She is an expert in English literature.