literary style; classical written style
Refers to the classical Japanese written style based on Heian-era grammar, used in formal writing until the mid-20th century. Contrasts with 口語体 (colloquial style).
See also: 口語体
Official documents of the Meiji era were written in the classical literary style.
Please explain the difference between the literary style and the colloquial style.
Compound of 文語 (bungo, 'literary language') + 体 (tai, 'style').