How to say "papers" in Japanese

• 書類しょるいJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers 'papers' as physical paperwork: documents you prepare, submit, or file, as when handing in papers at an office. It treats a document as a tangible item rather than a text.
  この手紙てがみを書類しょるいにしてもらいたい。↗

  I want this letter registered.
• 文書ぶんしょJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers 'papers' as a written document or record rather than physical paperwork. It fits official and legal documents and can also mean a letter; for everyday paperwork, 書類 is the safer choice.
  この文書ぶんしょはあなたのお目めにだけ留とめていただきたい。↗

  This document is for your eyes only.

For 'papers' meaning documents, choose 書類 when thinking of physical paperwork—items you submit, copy, or file—and 文書 for a paper as a written record, especially in official contexts; 文書 can also mean a letter.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 書類しょるいdocument
• 文書ぶんしょdocument