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.
この字は何と読みますか。
How do you read this character?
彼は字がきれいだ。
His handwriting is neat.
noun
Focuses on the quality or style of someone's handwriting. Common in phrases like 字が上手 or 字が汚い.
もっと字を丁寧に書いてください。
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」は「好き」という意味の古い言い回しだ。
ほの字 is an old expression meaning 'like' or 'love'.