註釈

• Reading: ちゅうしゃく
• Romaji: chūshaku
• Kanji breakdown: 註 (chū) — annotation, note; 釈 (shaku/to) — explanation, interpretation
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ɕa.kɯ/

Meaning

Annotation; commentary; gloss; explanatory notes added to a text to clarify meaning, context, or usage.

Also written 注釈 (same pronunciation and meaning). Refers to supplementary explanations attached to a text — whether in the form of footnotes, endnotes, or interlinear glosses. Essential in academic editions of classical literature, legal documents, and religious texts. A 註釈書 (chūshakusho) is an annotated edition or commentary volume.

Examples

1. 古典文学を読む際は詳細な註釈が不可欠だ。 Detailed annotations are essential when reading classical literature.
2. 本文に加えて丁寧な註釈が施されており、初学者にも読みやすい。 In addition to the main text, careful annotations have been provided, making it accessible even to beginners.
3. 彼の学術論文は本文より長い註釈が特徴で、研究者の間で重宝されている。 His academic papers are characterized by annotations longer than the main text, and they are highly valued among researchers.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, literature, publishing, law, classical studies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 註 (annotation, note) and 釈 (explanation, interpretation). Both characters carry the meaning of clarifying or interpreting. The Chinese scholarly tradition of annotating canonical texts underpins this vocabulary.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Scholars and editors

Social background: Educated