noun
Japanese syllabary symbols; kana
Historical term for Japanese kana, often contrasted with 唐文字 (Chinese characters). Used in discussions of writing systems and classical texts.
See also: 唐文字
平安時代には、大和文字が女性の手紙によく使われた。
In the Heian period, Japanese kana were often used in women's letters.
この古文書は大和文字で書かれている。
This ancient document is written in Japanese kana.
唐文字 refers to Chinese characters, while 大和文字 refers to Japanese kana. They are often contrasted in historical contexts.
Compound of 大和 (Yamato, ancient Japan) and 文字 (characters). The term historically distinguished native Japanese kana from imported Chinese characters (唐文字).