noun
normal style of writing; modern Japanese text
Refers to a writing style that is straightforward and contemporary, as opposed to classical or ornate styles. Often used in contrast to 文語文 (classical literary style).
この教科書は普通文で書かれているので読みやすい。
This textbook is written in a normal style, so it's easy to read.
noun
text written in literary style with mixed kanji and kana (until the Taisho era)
Historical term for a writing style that combined kanji and kana, used from the Meiji period through the Taisho era. It was a step toward modern written Japanese but still retained some classical elements.
Newspapers up to the Taisho era were written in the mixed kanji-kana literary style.
口語文 is the modern colloquial written style that replaced 普通文 after the Taisho era.
Compound of 普通 (normal, common) and 文 (writing, text). The term emerged in the Meiji period to describe a new writing style that blended kanji and kana, distinct from classical Chinese-influenced styles.