Translation guide
This guide explains how to refer to traditional Chinese characters in Japanese, covering the standard term, related concepts, and usage in context.
The learner wants to refer to the writing system using traditional Chinese characters, typically in contrast to simplified characters.
The standard term for 'traditional Chinese characters'. Used when contrasting with simplified characters (簡体字).
Traditional Chinese characters are used in Taiwan.
This document is written in traditional Chinese characters.
Literally 'correct form characters', used especially in Taiwan to refer to traditional characters. Less common in mainland Japan but understood.
Traditional characters preserve the traditional forms of kanji.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'traditional kanji/Chinese characters'. Useful when explaining the concept rather than using the technical term.
Traditional Chinese characters are used in Hong Kong.
The learner wants to refer to one specific character that is the traditional version, e.g., when discussing the difference between 學 and 学.
Use this pattern to specify a particular traditional character. Replace X with the character.
When reading the character aloud, use its Japanese reading (on'yomi or kun'yomi) as appropriate, not the Chinese pronunciation.
'學' is the traditional character for '学'.
Refers to 'old character forms' in Japanese, which often overlap with traditional Chinese characters. Note: this term is Japanese-specific and may not apply to all traditional Chinese characters.
旧字体 refers to historical Japanese character forms, which are not always identical to traditional Chinese characters. Use with care.
The learner wants to describe a document, sign, or font that uses traditional Chinese characters.
Pattern meaning '~ written in traditional characters'. Attach a noun to specify what is written.
a menu written in traditional characters
a sign written in traditional characters
Pattern meaning '~ in traditional characters' or 'traditional-character ~'. More direct but less descriptive.
traditional Chinese font
繁体字 (traditional) and 簡体字 (simplified) are the standard pair. Use these when discussing Chinese character sets. 正体字 is a Taiwan-preferred term for traditional characters.
In mainland China, simplified characters are used; in Taiwan, traditional characters are used.
旧字体 (kyūjitai) are historical Japanese forms, which sometimes match traditional Chinese but are a separate concept. Only use 旧字体 when discussing Japanese orthography history.
'國' is the old form of '国'.