General term for a written work or document; also used as a suffix in compound words like 参考書 (reference book) or 証明書 (certificate).
この書は江戸時代に書かれた。
This book was written in the Edo period.
Refers to the art of beautiful writing, especially Chinese-style calligraphy. Often used in contexts like 書道 (calligraphy) or 書を習う (learn calligraphy).
彼は書の達人だ。
He is a master of calligraphy.
Refers to the style or quality of a person's handwriting. Often used in phrases like 書が上手い (have good handwriting).
彼の書はとても読みやすい。
His handwriting is very easy to read.
A written message or correspondence. Slightly formal; in casual contexts, 手紙 is more common.
お礼の書をしたためる。
I write a letter of thanks.
She has been learning calligraphy since she was a child.
必要書類を提出してください。
Please submit the necessary documents.
He has a reputation for having beautiful handwriting.
The two of them have exchanged letters for many years.
書物 is a formal, literary synonym for 書 meaning 'book', used mainly in writing rather than speech.
文書 refers specifically to an official or written document, while 書 is broader and can mean any written work.
手紙 is the standard, everyday word for 'letter', while 書 in this sense is formal and mostly literary.
counter for books; counter for volumes · volume; book
book; publication
document; writing; papers · document addressed to someone (historical)
document; papers
bookstore; bookshop
textbook; coursebook; schoolbook
Standard kanji spelling for all senses.
From Middle Chinese 書 (syo). The character originally depicted a hand holding a brush, representing writing. The Japanese reading しょ is the on'yomi.
books; publications
new book; newly published book · shinsho paperback; compact 17-by-11 cm paperback
this book; this volume · main text; main document · original text; original document
official document; public document; archives
book; volume
calligraphy (esp. East Asian brush calligraphy)
certificate; document of proof; bond; deed
document; letter · writing; contents of a document
note left by a dead person; suicide note; testamentary letter; will · posthumous work; writings left behind
study; library · bookstore; bookshop; publishing company
white paper; government report
official record; written evidence; protocol
secretary; clerk; recording secretary · writing down; recording in writing; putting on record
book review
typeface; font · handwriting style; calligraphic style
study; home office; library
old book; rare book; classic · secondhand book; used book
letter; note; correspondence
librarian
format; prescribed form
library; book storage; stack room · archive (file)
banned book; banning of books