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.
school essay
personal essay
academic essay
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.
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).
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.
I had my essay corrected by the teacher.
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.
Loanword from English, used for personal, literary, or informal essays. Common in titles and media.
Her essays are very interesting.
I wrote an essay about my trip.
A traditional Japanese literary essay, often contemplative and loosely structured. More literary than エッセイ.
He is famous as an essayist.
General term for an academic paper, thesis, or scholarly article. Used for longer, research-based essays.
I submitted my graduation thesis.
He is writing an essay on history.
Often used for shorter university assignments or reports. Less formal than 論文.
I have to submit an essay by next week.
He essayed a new method.
She essayed the difficult problem.