1A 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.
2Handwriting 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.
3Used in the pattern '〜の字' to euphemistically hint at a feeling or state without saying it outright; in modern Japanese this survives almost only in the fixed phrase 'ほの字' (to have a crush on someone) — a somewhat old-fashioned expression.
彼は同僚の女性にほの字らしい。
He seems to have a crush on a female coworker.
彼女が彼にほの字なのは誰の目にも明らかだった。
It was obvious to everyone that she had a crush on him.