活字
Meanings
1
printing type; movable type
Refers to individual pieces of type used in letterpress printing, or the system of movable type.
A craftsman who picks out type and sets it is called a typesetter.
2
printed word; print
Used for text that has been printed, as opposed to handwriting or digital display. Often appears in phrases like 活字になる (to appear in print) or 活字離れ (moving away from print media).
His novel finally appeared in print.
The trend of young people moving away from print media is seen as a problem.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉が活字になるfor something to appear in print / be published
His first novel was finally published in print.
- 活字を拾うto pick up (set) individual pieces of type by hand
Old-time printers used to pick up each piece of type by hand to set it.
Expressions
- 活字を組むset type; compose type