ふで
Alternative readings: ひつ
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A brush (bundle of bristles or hairs) used for calligraphy, painting, etc.; can also refer historically to a pen.

Noun

Examples

書道用の筆を買いに専門店へ行った。

I went to a specialty shop to buy a calligraphy brush.

画家は細い筆で背景を描いた。

The painter painted the background with a thin brush.

この筆は毛が柔らかくて扱いやすい。

This brush has soft bristles and is easy to handle.

2

Brushwork; writing or drawing with a brush; the penmanship or brush style of a piece.

Noun

Examples

明日の展示には筆で描いた作品も出ます。

Some works painted with a brush will be in tomorrow's exhibition.

彼の筆は力強さがあって印象的だ。

His brushwork is powerful and impressive.

年賀状は今年は毛筆で書いてみた。

This year I tried writing New Year's cards with a brush.

3

Writing/composition; the written word (often referring to an author's writing).

Noun

Examples

彼女の筆はいつも優雅だ。

Her writing is always elegant.

新聞で彼の筆による記事を読んだ。

I read an article written by him in the newspaper.

作家は筆を休めず作品を書き続けた。

The writer kept writing without putting down the pen.

4

A counter/term for a plot of land (one parcel); an older/less common usage referring to a land lot.

Counter

Examples

その土地は一筆で売買された。

That land was bought and sold as a single parcel.

登記簿には一筆ごとに面積が記載されている。

The registry lists the area for each lot (each parcel).