書く vs 記す
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 書く
Listen to 記す
| 書く | 記す |
|---|---|
ka-KU verb (u-verb) | しるす (shirusu) verb (u-verb) |
| to write; to compose text or mark with characters | to write down; to record (often as a formal or deliberate record) |
How they differ
記す emphasizes making a record or notation of something and often carries a slightly formal or literary tone; 書く is the neutral, general verb for writing. 記す can imply the act has lasting or official intent, whereas 書く can be any act of writing.
When to use each
When to use 書く: Prefer 書く for neutral, everyday descriptions of writing actions (e.g., 'I wrote a note').
When to use 記す: Use 記す when you want to highlight that something was recorded, noted for the record, or in a formal/literary context.
Side-by-side examples
- 彼はノートに今日の出来事を書いた。
(He wrote today's events in his notebook.) - 彼はノートに今日の出来事を記した。
(He recorded today's events in his notebook.)
Register & nuance: 記す is more formal or literary than the neutral 書く and is less common in casual spoken Japanese.