字

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 字 is read as じ and is a noun for an individual written character or for someone’s handwriting.
• Basic usage: Use この字は何と読む for a character’s reading and 字がきれいだ for the quality of handwriting.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Character and handwriting
  • In one context 字 is a symbol to be read; in another it is the appearance and skill of a person’s writing.
• Relation to 文字
  • 文字 readily refers to writing systems or written symbols in general, while 字 can denote one character or personal handwriting in everyday use.