漢文
Meanings
1
Chinese classical writing; Chinese classics
Refers to classical Chinese texts and the literary language used in them, as studied in Japan. Often contrasted with 和文 (Japanese-style writing).
I studied Chinese classics in high school.
He has a grounding in classical Chinese.
2
writing composed entirely of kanji
Describes a text written only with Chinese characters, without kana. This usage is less common than the classical-literature sense.
This text is written entirely in kanji.
Usage patterns
- 漢文を読むto read a classical Chinese text
We practiced reading classical Chinese texts in class.
- 〈物〉を漢文で書くto write something in classical Chinese
He wrote a poem in classical Chinese.
- 漢文を訓読するto read Chinese text using the Japanese kundoku method
The teacher explained the meaning by reading the Chinese text using the kundoku method.
- 漢文の授業a class on classical Chinese
I took a classical Chinese class in high school.