Japanese word

文献

Pronunciation

Romajibunken

Meaning

  • nounliterature

Example

文献を調べます。bun ken o shira be ma su

I check the literature.

Illustration for 文献 (literature)

More examples

この論文は関連する文献を幅広く引用しています。ko no ron bun wa kan ren su ru bun ken o haba hiro ku in yō shi te i ma su

This paper cites a wide range of related literature.

Core concept

Treats written works and records as sources that can support research, historical understanding, or factual confirmation.

Common phrases

  • 文献を調べるbun ken o shira be ru

    check the literature

  • 文献を引用するbun ken o in yō su ru

    cite the literature

Similar words

文書bunsho: A written document that conveys or preserves information.
資料shiryō: Material that provides information or evidence for study.
記録kiroku: A preserved account of facts, events, or activities.

Definition in Japanese

学問や調査のために参照する書物や記録などの資料。gaku mon ya chō sa no ta me ni san shō su ru sho motsu ya ki roku na do no shi ryō

Word origin

文献 (bunken) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 文 (bun, "writing") and 献 (ken, "offering"), referring to writings presented or preserved as sources of knowledge.

Usage tips

  • In English, literature often suggests creative writing, while 文献 (bunken) commonly refers to written sources consulted for research or verification.

Other meanings

  • referencenoun
  • documentnoun

Related words

  • 文献学bunkengakuphilologynoun

Word lists with this word