A written character (especially kanji); a letter or written symbol.
この字は難しいので、何度も練習して覚えたほうがいい。
This character is difficult, so it's better to practice it many times to remember it.
漢字の字を一つずつ丁寧に書くことが大切だ。
It's important to write each kanji character carefully.
スマホの画面では小さな字が読みづらいことがある。
Small text on a smartphone screen can sometimes be hard to read.
Handwriting or penmanship; the style or handwriting of a person.
上司の字はいつもきれいで読みやすい。
My boss's handwriting is always neat and easy to read.
履歴書は字が丁寧だと印象が良くなる。
A resume looks better if the handwriting is neat.
Used in the pattern '〜の字' to refer to a word or phrase that suggests a particular feeling or state (e.g. 'ほの字'). A figurative usage.
彼は彼女にほの字が立っていると周りに言われている。
People around say he has a faint crush on her.
『愛の字』という言い方で、その感情を象徴的に表すことがある。
Sometimes people symbolically express that feeling by saying 'the character of love' ('ai no ji').