colloquial style; everyday language style
A rare term referring to a writing style that uses colloquial, everyday language rather than formal or literary language. Often contrasted with 文語体 (classical/literary style).
This novel is written in a colloquial style and is very easy to read.
In the Meiji era, the colloquial style spread through the genbun itchi movement.
口語体 is a more common term for colloquial style; 俗文体 is rarer and may carry a nuance of 'vulgar' or 'common' style.
Compound of 俗 (ぞく, 'common, vulgar') and 文体 (ぶんたい, 'literary style'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a term contrasting with formal or classical writing styles.