字じ

noun

character; letter; written text

Refers to a single written character, especially a kanji, or to written text in general. Often used when talking about the shape, meaning, or reading of a character.

• この字じは何なんと読よみますか。

  How do you read this character?

• 彼かれは字じがきれいだ。

  His handwriting is neat.

noun

handwriting; penmanship

Focuses on the quality or style of someone's handwriting. Common in phrases like 字が上手 or 字が汚い.

• もっと字じを丁てい寧ねいに書かいてください。

  Please write more neatly.

noun

the ... word

Used in the pattern 〜の字 to refer euphemistically to a word, often one considered embarrassing or taboo, such as 'love' or 'money'. The cross-reference ほの字 is a classic example.

See also: ほの字

• 「ほの字じ」は「好すき」という意い味みの古ふるい言いい回まわしだ。

  ほの字 is an old expression meaning 'like' or 'love'.