文言

• Reading: もんごん
• Romaji: mongon
• Kanji breakdown: 文 (mon) — writing, text; 言 (gon) — words, speech, phrasing
• Pronunciation: /mon.ɡon/

Meaning

Wording; text; phrasing; the specific language used in an official or written document.

Used especially in legal, administrative, and official contexts to refer to the exact words in contracts, statutes, regulations, and official notices. 文言を確認する (to check the wording), 契約書の文言 (the wording of a contract), and 法律の文言 (the text of a law) are typical uses. More narrowly technical than 文面, which focuses on tone and impression rather than precise phrasing.

Examples

1. 契約書の文言が曖昧で、後にトラブルの原因となった。 The ambiguous wording of the contract later became a source of trouble.
2. 法律の文言を厳密に解釈すると、この行為は規制の対象となる。 If you interpret the wording of the law strictly, this act falls under regulation.
3. 判決文中の文言が注目を集め、法曹関係者の間で議論を呼んだ。 The specific language used in the court ruling drew attention and sparked debate among legal professionals.

Usage Guide

Context: law, contracts, official documents, administration

Tone: precise

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound read in the on-reading もんごん. 文 means writing or text, 言 means words or speech — together denoting the words in a formal written document.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Academic/Legal