文もん盲もう

noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'

illiteracy

Refers to the state of being unable to read or write. Often used in formal or historical contexts. Sensitive term; in modern discourse, 非識字 is sometimes used instead.

See also: 非識字

• 文もん盲もう率りつは、その国くにの教きょう育いく水すい準じゅんを示しめす指し標ひょうの一ひとつだ。

  The illiteracy rate is one indicator of a country's educational level.

noun

illiterate person

Refers to a person who cannot read or write. Can be perceived as derogatory; more neutral terms include 非識字者 or descriptive phrases like 読み書きができない人.

• 昔むかしは文もん盲もうが多おおかったが、今いまは義ぎ務む教きょう育いくのおかげで減へった。

  In the past there were many illiterate people, but thanks to compulsory education the number has decreased.