Translation guide
A codex is an ancient manuscript in book form, as opposed to a scroll. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for old manuscripts, handwritten books, or historical documents.
Referring to a historical book made of bound pages, especially from the pre-printing era.
General term for a handwritten copy of a text, often used for ancient manuscripts including codices.
この写本は12世紀のものです。
This manuscript is from the 12th century.
Specifically an old manuscript, emphasizing its age and historical value.
その図書館には貴重な古写本が所蔵されている。
The library houses valuable ancient manuscripts.
Literally 'booklet' or 'bound volume', used in academic contexts to distinguish a codex from a scroll.
冊子本の形態は中世ヨーロッパで広まった。
The codex form spread in medieval Europe.
Referring to an ancient book containing official records, laws, or chronicles.
Ancient documents or historical records, often used for handwritten materials from the past.
彼は古文書の解読に取り組んでいる。
He is working on deciphering ancient documents.
Old records or chronicles, emphasizing their nature as historical accounts.
Referring to a named ancient manuscript, often of religious or historical significance.
Attach the name of the codex before 写本 (manuscript). For example, 'Codex Sinaiticus' becomes シナイ写本.
シナイ写本は4世紀の聖書の写本です。
The Codex Sinaiticus is a 4th-century manuscript of the Bible.
Sometimes the Latin 'Codex' is directly borrowed as コデックス, followed by the name. Used in academic or specialized contexts.
コデックス・バチカヌスはバチカン図書館に所蔵されている。
The Codex Vaticanus is housed in the Vatican Library.
The English word 'codex' is quite specialized. In Japanese, unless you are in an academic or historical context, it's better to use more general terms like 古い本 (old book) or 写本 (manuscript). Avoid directly using コデックス in casual speech.
These old records provide clues about life at that time.