text written in literary style; classical Japanese text
Refers to writing that uses classical Japanese grammar and vocabulary (文語), as opposed to modern colloquial style (口語). Often contrasted with 口語文.
See also: 口語文
This novel is written in a literary style, so it is difficult for modern readers.
Please explain the difference between classical and colloquial written Japanese.
Compound of 文語 (classical literary language) and 文 (text/writing).