序文

• Reading: じょぶん
• Romaji: jobun
• Kanji breakdown: 序 (jo) — introduction, prelude; 文 (bun) — text, writing
• Pronunciation: /dʑo.bɯ.ɴ/

Meaning

Preface; foreword; introduction. Introductory text at the beginning of a book or work that explains the author's aims, background, or context.

A noun used in publishing and literary contexts. 序文 typically refers to a preface written by the author themselves (as distinct from 跋文 — afterword — or はしがき — a more informal preface). It is common in academic books, literary collections, and translated works. The term can also be used metaphorically for any introductory remarks that set the stage for what follows.

Examples

1. 著者みずからが書いた序文が、作品の理解を大きく助けてくれる。 The preface written by the author personally is a great help in understanding the work.
2. 序文を読むだけで、著者が伝えたいことの大半が分かる。 Just by reading the preface, you can grasp most of what the author wants to convey.
3. 翻訳書の序文には、原著との違いが丁寧に説明されていた。 The preface of the translated edition carefully explained the differences from the original work.

Usage Guide

Context: publishing, academic writing, literature

Tone: informational

Origin & History

From 序 (jo — introduction, order) and 文 (bun — text, writing). The character 序 originally depicted the east side of a hall, later acquiring the sense of 'beginning' or 'ordering before the main matter.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated