bound book; written work (bound, not a scroll)
Refers to a written work in bound form, as opposed to a scroll. Used historically for various types of books.
This bound book was made in the Edo period.
kana text; work written entirely in kana
Specifically a text written using only kana, without kanji. Common in classical Japanese literature.
"The Pillow Book" is a representative kana text of the Heian period.
graphic novel; illustrated storybook (12th–19th c.)
Refers to illustrated narrative works, often with pictures and text, produced between the 12th and 19th centuries. Precursor to modern manga.
This illustrated storybook depicts the customs of the Edo period.
notebook; practice book; rough draft
Used for a notebook or exercise book for practicing kana, drawing, or making rough drafts. Sense 5 (rough draft) is closely related and often overlaps.
When I was a child, I drew pictures in a notebook for fun.
He is writing a rough draft of his novel in a notebook.
Most common kanji spelling; used broadly for bound texts, kana texts, and graphic novels.
Alternate spelling, often seen in historical or literary contexts.
Rare variant; may appear in older texts.
Rare variant; more commonly read as さっし.
The word 草紙 (そうし) originally referred to bound books made from recycled paper (草稿用紙), as opposed to scrolls. Over time, it came to denote various types of written works, including kana literature and illustrated storybooks.