Blue trousers
Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary
This fragment from 'The Tale of Genji' focuses on a chapter involving court intrigue and poetic exchanges. Murasaki Shikibu's prose is refined, depicting the subtle emotions of Heian-era nobility. The text offers learners exposure to classical Japanese literature in English translation, with elegant dialogue and descriptive passages that enhance reading comprehension.
Learn English with Blue trousers
- Suits learners around level B2: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- 7,751 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.
Questions about this book
Can I read Blue trousers in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of Blue trousers open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level B2. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
