新聞

• Reading: しんぶん
• Romaji: shinbun
• Kanji breakdown: 新 (shin/atara) — new; 聞 (bun/ki) — hear, ask, news
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.ɴ.bɯ.ɴ/

Meaning

Newspaper. A daily or periodical publication containing news, articles, and information.

Japan has one of the highest newspaper readership rates in the world. Major papers include 朝日新聞, 読売新聞, and 毎日新聞. Many Japanese households still receive daily newspaper deliveries. Reading newspapers is considered a good way to improve kanji skills.

Examples

1. 毎朝新聞を読みます。 I read the newspaper every morning.
2. 新聞はテーブルの上にあります。 The newspaper is on the table.
3. 今日の新聞を見ましたか。 Did you see today's newspaper?

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, home, reading

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 新 (shin, new) + 聞 (bun, hear/news). Literally 'new things heard,' coined during the Meiji era to translate the Western concept of newspapers.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal