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本
hon
book
私は本を読んでいます。
I am reading a book.
general
A physical object made of pages bound together, containing written or printed text, images, or both.
この本はとても面白いです。
This book is very interesting.
The word '本' can also refer to the content or subject matter of a book.
general
The main or original version of something, as opposed to a copy or derivative.
原本を確認してください。
Please check the original document.
In this sense, '本' is often used in formal or official contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'本' is one of the most common words in Japanese and is essential for daily conversation, especially when talking about reading, studying, or official documents.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of '本' can vary significantly depending on the context. Always pay attention to the surrounding words to determine whether it refers to a physical book, the content of a book, or the original version of something.
Word Origin
The kanji '本' is derived from the combination of '木' (tree) and '本' (root or origin), originally referring to the root or trunk of a tree. Over time, it came to represent the main or original version of something, and later specifically referred to books.
Usage Notes
'本' is a very common and versatile word in Japanese. It can refer to physical books, the content of books, or the original version of something. In formal contexts, it is often used to refer to official documents or the main version of a text.
Word Breakdown
木
tree
root本
root or origin
root和英辞典