文法

• Reading: ぶんぽう
• Romaji: bunpou
• Kanji breakdown: 文 (bun/mon) — writing, sentence; 法 (hō/pō) — law, method
• Pronunciation: /bɯɴ.poː/

Meaning

Grammar. The set of rules governing how words are combined to form sentences in a language.

Used to refer to grammar in any language. A key term in language learning contexts, appearing in expressions like 文法を勉強する (to study grammar) and 文法的に正しい (grammatically correct). Japanese grammar is notably different from European languages, with SOV word order and extensive use of particles.

Examples

1. 日本語の文法は英語と違います。 Japanese grammar is different from English.
2. 文法の問題が一番難しかった。 The grammar questions were the hardest.
3. 文法を勉強してから会話の練習をします。 I'll practice conversation after studying grammar.

Usage Guide

Context: education, language learning, academics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Chinese 文法 (wénfǎ). Compound of 文 (bun, writing/sentence) and 法 (hou, method/law). Literally 'the rules of writing.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal