colloquial style; written style based on spoken language
Linguistic term contrasting with 文語体 (literary/classical style). Refers to a written style that reflects modern spoken Japanese.
See also: 文語体
From the Meiji period onward, literary works shifted from a classical written style to a colloquial written style.
This novel is written in a colloquial style, so it's easy to read.
Compound of 口語 (こうご, 'spoken language') and 体 (たい, 'style').