筆を折る

• Reading: ふでをおる
• Romaji: fude wo oru
• Kanji breakdown: 筆 (fude/hitsu) — brush, writing; 折 (o/ori) — break, fold, bend
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.de.o.o.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To stop writing; to give up writing; to retire as an author. An expression for permanently ceasing literary activity.

A set expression (慣用句, kan'yōku) using the image of breaking one's writing brush as a declaration of retirement from writing. It carries a sense of finality and often pathos. Used when an author makes a conscious, definitive decision to stop publishing — whether due to age, illness, disillusionment, or grief. Distinguished from 筆を置く (to put down the brush), which may be temporary.

Examples

1. 長年書き続けてきた作家が筆を折ると宣言し、文壇に大きな衝撃が走った。 When an author who had been writing for many years announced that he was giving up the pen, it sent shockwaves through the literary world.
2. 愛する人を失った詩人は筆を折り、以後二度と作品を世に出さなかった。 Having lost the person he loved, the poet laid down his pen for good and never again published a single work.
3. 病を得てからも書き続けたが、ついに筆を折る日が来てしまった。 He continued to write even after falling ill, but the day finally came when he had to put down the pen forever.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, biography, obituary, literary criticism

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

The image of 折る (to break/fold) suggests a decisive, irreversible act — breaking one's writing brush so it can no longer be used. Contrasted with 筆を置く (to set down the brush) which is gentler and potentially temporary.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Literary