This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

古文書

Readings

Kana: こもんじょ、こぶんしょ
Romaji: komonjo, kobunsho
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

ancient document; archives; ancient manuscript; paleograph

2

document addressed to someone in particular (jargon used in paleography)

See also: 文書 (reading ぶんしょ, entry #2)

Kanji

Readings: コ、 ふる.い、 ふる-、 -ふる.す
Meaning: old
Readings: ブン、 モン、 ふみ、 あや
Meanings: sentence, literature, style, art, decoration, figures, plan, literary radical (no. 67)
Readings: ショ、 か.く、 -が.き、 -がき
Meaning: write

Example Sentences

(かれ)物置(ものおき)(なか)偶然(ぐうぜん)いくつかの古文書(こもんじょ)()つけた。
➥He came across some old documents in the closet.
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彼女(かのじょ)物置(ものおき)(なか)偶然(ぐうぜん)いくつかの古文書(こもんじょ)()つけた。
➥She came across some old documents in the closet.
Full Entry➤
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