Translation guide
The English word "essays" can refer to short pieces of writing on a particular subject, often for school or publication. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 作文 (sakubun) for school compositions, while エッセイ (essei) is used for personal, reflective essays. The choice depends on context and formality.
A short piece of writing assigned as a school exercise, typically structured and on a given topic.
A short piece of non-fiction, often personal, reflective, or published in magazines/books.
Loanword from English, used for personal, literary, or informal essays. Common in titles and media.
Her essays are very interesting.
A traditional Japanese literary essay, often contemplative and loosely structured. More literary than エッセイ.
A formal, structured piece of academic writing, often for university courses or scholarly publication.
To try or attempt something, often difficult. This is the verb form 'to essay'.
The English verb 'essay' is rare and literary. In Japanese, express the idea with 試みる (to try) or 挑戦する (to challenge).
He essayed a new method.
She essayed the difficult problem.
作文 (sakubun) is for school compositions, often with a set topic and structure. エッセイ (essei) is for personal, reflective pieces, like those in magazines. 論文 (ronbun) is for formal academic papers or theses. Choose based on context and formality.
In Japanese schools, 作文 is the standard term for essays. Using エッセイ might sound odd or overly casual for a school context.
Refers to a short thesis or academic essay, often for entrance exams or advanced high school assignments. More formal than 作文.
I had to write an essay for the university entrance exam.
I wrote an essay about my trip.
彼は随筆家として有名だ。
He is famous as an essayist.
He is writing an essay on history.
来週までにレポートを出さなければならない。
I have to submit an essay by next week.