Translation and Meaning of: 目次 - mokuji

The word 「目次」 (mokuji) is a Japanese term that refers to the table of contents or summary of a book or document. It is the section where chapters, sections, and perhaps even sub-topics are listed, usually with associated page numbers. The presence of a table of contents helps readers quickly locate specific information, providing an organized overview of the content.

Etymologically, 「目次」 is composed of two kanji: 「目」 (moku) and 「次」 (ji). 「目」 translates as 'eye', 'look', or 'point', symbolizing the idea of focus or vision. On the other hand, 「次」 means 'next' or 'following', representing sequence or order. Together, the kanji form the idea of a sequential view, which makes sense since an index lists topics in sequence, allowing for a panoramic view of the material.

Historically, while the practice of using indexes or summaries dates back to ancient texts in various cultures, in Japan, the use of mokuji became particularly systematic with the influence of Western texts and the rise of book printing during the Meiji era (1868-1912). This practice was adopted to facilitate navigation through content, especially in more complex academic or literary works. Furthermore, with the increase in literary production, the organized structure provided by mokuji became essential in the standardization of books and documents.

Today, the term 「目次」 and its variations are widely used not only in physical books but also in e-books and digital documents. This aligns with the growing focus on the accessibility and usability of information. The effectiveness of a good index is valued in various fields, from education to the corporate world, where extensive reports and technical documents are common.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 目録 (mokuroku) - List or catalog of items, usually used to describe a collection or archive.
• 目次表 (mokuji-hyou) - Table of contents, providing an overview of the sections of a book or document.
• 目次簿 (mokuji-bo) - Index book, a tool that lists sections and pages, similar to a table of contents, but with a greater focus on internal organization.
• 索引 (sakuin) - Index, alphabetical list of or topics with page references, aimed at locating specific information within a text.