noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Refers to the state of being unable to read or write. Often used in formal or historical contexts. Sensitive term; in modern discourse, 非識字 is sometimes used instead.
See also: 非識字
文盲率は、その国の教育水準を示す指標の一つだ。
The illiteracy rate is one indicator of a country's educational level.
noun
illiterate person
Refers to a person who cannot read or write. Can be perceived as derogatory; more neutral terms include 非識字者 or descriptive phrases like 読み書きができない人.
昔は文盲が多かったが、今は義務教育のおかげで減った。
In the past there were many illiterate people, but thanks to compulsory education the number has decreased.
Composed of 文 (writing, literature) and 盲 (blind). The literal sense is 'blind to writing', i.e., unable to read. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the compound follows a common pattern for describing disabilities or deficiencies.