Translation guide
The study of inscriptions or epigraphs, especially ancient ones. This is a specialized academic term. In Japanese, it is most commonly expressed with the technical term 金石文 (きんせきぶん) for the inscriptions themselves, or 碑文 (ひぶん) for monumental inscriptions. The academic field is 金石学 (きんせきがく).
Referring to the scholarly discipline that studies ancient writings on durable materials like stone or metal.
The standard academic term for epigraphy as a field of study, literally 'study of metal and stone'.
He is an expert in epigraphy.
Literally 'study of monumental inscriptions', sometimes used for epigraphy focusing on stelae and monuments.
Epigraphy plays an important role in historical research.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'research on metal and stone inscriptions', often used in academic contexts.
She is engaged in epigraphy research.
Referring to the physical inscriptions or the body of epigraphic material.
The most common term for epigraphic texts, especially ancient inscriptions on metal or stone.
This epigraphic text is from ancient Rome.
Specifically refers to inscriptions on monuments or stelae, often used for historical or commemorative texts.
A more general term for carved or engraved writing, not limited to stone or metal.
Epigraphy can be seen on the wooden fragment.
Referring to the act or technique of creating inscriptions.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'the act of carving inscriptions', used when focusing on the craft.
Epigraphy was a sacred act in ancient times.
In everyday conversation, the concept of epigraphy is rarely discussed. If you need to refer to 'ancient writings on stone', you can simply say 石碑の文字 (sekihi no moji, 'characters on a stone monument') or 古代の刻まれた文字 (kodai no kizamareta moji, 'ancient carved characters').
金石文 (kinsekibun) is broader, covering inscriptions on both metal and stone. 碑文 (hibun) specifically refers to inscriptions on monuments or stelae. In many contexts they overlap, but 金石文 is the more academic term for epigraphy as a category of historical source material.
石碑の碑文を解読する。
Decipher the epigraphy on the stone monument.