Classical Japanese, known as 文語 (Bungo), was the standard written form of Japanese from the Heian period through the early 20th century. Although it differs significantly from modern Japanese in grammar, vocabulary, and style, Bungo still influences contemporary language, literature, and even legal documents today. Understanding Bungo not only deepens your appreciation for historical texts like The Tale of Genji and Manyoshu, but also reveals the roots of many modern expressions and structures. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Bungo unique, why it matters, and how it continues to shape the Japanese language we know today.
Classical Japanese, known as 文語 (Bungo), was the literary standard language used in Japan until the early 20th century. Despite being considered archaic today, Bungo still plays a vital role in understanding historical texts, classical literature, and even influencing certain grammatical structures in modern Japanese.
Classical Japanese, known as 文語 (Bungo), refers to the traditional literary and formal language used in Japan before the Meiji period (1868–1912). Unlike modern Japanese (口語 - Kōgo), which is used in everyday conversation, Bungo was primarily used in:
Even though Bungo has been replaced by modern Japanese in daily use, its influence is still felt today in:
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Legal and government documents
Traditional literature and poetry
Set phrases and formal expressions
Understanding Bungo is essential for anyone interested in Japanese history, classical texts, or linguistic evolution.
Bungo has distinct grammatical structures that set it apart from modern Japanese. The most notable differences include verb conjugations, auxiliary verbs, and sentence structure.
Many verbs in Bungo have different forms compared to modern Japanese. Here are some examples:
| Modern Japanese (Kōgo) | Classical Japanese (Bungo) | Meaning |
| 行く (iku) | 行く (yuku) | To go |
| する (suru) | 為す (nasu) | To do |
| ある (aru) | あり (ari) | To exist |
| 言う (iu) | いふ (ifu) | To say |
| たべる (taberu) | たぶ (tabu) | To eat |
Key Point: Some classical forms still exist in modern Japanese, especially in formal or poetic language. For example, 行く (yuku) is sometimes used in literature instead of 行く (iku).
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Bungo uses many auxiliary verbs (助動詞 - jodōshi) that are no longer used in modern Japanese.
Here are a few important ones:
| Classical Auxiliary Verb | Meaning / Modern Equivalent | Example Sentence |
| べし (beshi) | Obligation, probability, intention (べき, だろう) | 「この道を行くべし」(You should go this way.) |
| なり (nari) | Hearsay, existence (そうだ, である) | 「雨が降るなり」(It is said that it will rain.) |
| き (ki) | Past tense (た) | 「我は昔、京都に住みき」(I once lived in Kyoto.) |
| たり (tari) | Completion, continuation (ている, た) | 「風の音が聞こえたり」(The sound of the wind can be heard.) |
Key Point: Some Bungo auxiliary verbs like べし and なり have left traces in modern formal Japanese (e.g., である).
Classical Japanese has different sentence-ending patterns compared to modern Japanese:
Bungo endings: なり, たり, けり
Modern Japanese endings: です/ます, だ/である
Example:
Bungo: 「月は美しきなり。」 (Tsuki wa utsukushiki nari.)
Modern: 「月は美しいです。」 (Tsuki wa utsukushii desu.)
(The moon is beautiful.)
Key Point: Bungo frequently omits the subject, requiring context to understand the meaning.
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Although Bungo is no longer spoken in daily life, its legacy remains in various aspects of modern Japanese:
Government and legal documents still contain phrases based on Bungo grammar.
Some newspaper articles use classical structures for a formal tone.
Example:
Classical works like The Tale of Genji (源氏物語) and Manyōshū (万葉集) require Bungo knowledge to read in their original form.
Shinto and Buddhist scriptures retain Bungo elements.
Example:
国文学研究資料館 (National Institute of Japanese Literature)
A research center that archives classical texts and scholarly articles on Bungo.
Many formal expressions in modern Japanese come from Bungo:
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| Bungo Phrase | Modern Equivalent | Meaning |
| いとおかし (Ito okashi) | とても面白い (Totemo omoshiroi) | Very interesting |
| あはれなり (Aware nari) | 哀れだ (Aware da) | Poignant, sorrowful |
| しかるべし (Shikaru beshi) | 当然だ (Tōzen da) | It is natural/expected |
For students of the Japanese language, learning Bungo can:
Improve understanding of classical literature and historical texts.
Enhance knowledge of kanji readings and etymology.
Provide insight into the evolution of the Japanese language.
[Aozora Bunko (青空文庫)]https://www.aozora.gr.jp/)
A free library of public domain Japanese literature, including many Bungo texts.
1. Is Classical Japanese still used today?
Yes, but mainly in legal documents, traditional literature, and historical texts.
2. How different is Classical Japanese from Modern Japanese?
Bungo has different verb conjugations, auxiliary verbs, and sentence structures that make it distinct.
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3. Do I need to learn Bungo to read Japanese literature?
If you want to read classical works like The Tale of Genji or Manyōshū in their original form, learning Bungo is essential.
4. Is Bungo difficult to learn?
Yes, Bungo can be challenging due to its unique grammar, vocabulary, and lack of direct translations, but studying it provides deep insight into Japanese linguistic history.
5. Where can I study Classical Japanese?
You can find resources in university courses, specialized textbooks, and online study groups dedicated to classical Japanese.
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Bungo is a gateway to classical literature and history.
Its influence remains in modern Japanese grammar and expressions.
Studying Bungo deepens your understanding of Japan’s linguistic heritage.
Whether you're a language enthusiast, historian, or literature lover, exploring 文語 (Bungo) will enhance your appreciation of the Japanese language!
