The written/classical register or style of Japanese (bun-gotai), using formal or classical expressions; contrasted with colloquial style.
和歌や古い日記は文語体で書かれていることが多い。
Many waka poems and old diaries are written in the literary/classical style.
現代小説の中で意図的に文語体を使う作家もいる。
Some authors deliberately use the literary/classical style in modern novels.