純文学
Meanings
1
pure literature; belles-lettres
Refers to serious literary fiction with artistic merit, as opposed to popular or genre fiction. Often contrasted with 大衆文学 (popular literature).
He is highly regarded as a writer of pure literature.
This magazine focuses mainly on belles-lettres.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が純文学を書くfor someone to write pure/serious literature
He has been writing serious literary fiction for many years.
- 純文学の賞を受賞するto win an award for literary fiction
The work won a literary fiction award.
- 〈人〉が大衆文学から純文学に転向するfor someone to switch from writing popular fiction to serious literary fiction
He shifted from writing popular fiction to serious literary fiction.