論文

• Reading: ろんぶん
• Romaji: ronbun
• Kanji breakdown: 論 (ron) — argument, discussion, theory; 文 (bun) — writing, text, sentence
• Pronunciation: /ɾoɴ.bɯɴ/

Meaning

Thesis; essay; academic paper. A formal written work presenting research or arguments.

A noun referring to academic papers, from undergraduate essays to doctoral dissertations. Writing a 卒業論文 (sotsugyou ronbun, graduation thesis) is a requirement at most Japanese universities. Also used for published research articles in journals.

Examples

1. 卒業論文のテーマをまだ決めていない。 I haven't decided on a topic for my graduation thesis yet.
2. 先生に論文を見てもらった。 I had my professor look over my paper.
3. 毎日図書館で論文を書いている。 I'm writing my thesis at the library every day.

Usage Guide

Context: university, research, academics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 論 (ron, argument/discussion) and 文 (bun, writing/text). Literally a written discussion — a document that argues or discusses a topic systematically.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal