Translation and Meaning of: 著書 - chosho

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 著書 (ちょしょ, chosho). But what does it mean exactly? In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will see tips for memorizing it and understanding its cultural context.

著書 is one of those words that frequently appears in academic or literary contexts, but it can also arise in more formal conversations. If you want to expand your vocabulary or simply better understand how the Japanese use this term, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 著書

著書 literally means "written work" or "published book." It is used to refer to literary, academic, or technical works that have been written and published by someone. Unlike 本 (ほん, hon), which is a generic term for "book," 著書 carries a more formal and specific tone.

A common example of use is when someone mentions the works of a famous author. If you say "夏目漱石の著書" (Natsume Sōseki no chosho), you will be referring to the books written by Natsume Sōseki, one of the greatest names in Japanese literature. The term also appears in professional contexts, such as in resumes or biographies, to highlight relevant publications.

Origin and composition of kanji

The word 著書 is composed of two kanji: 著 (cho), which means "to write" or "to highlight," and 書 (sho), which means "book" or "writing." Together, they form a term that directly refers to the idea of a written and published work.

It is interesting to note that 著 also appears in other related words, such as 著作 (ちょさく, chosaku), which means "literary work" or "writing." This connection helps to better understand the semantic field in which 著書 fits. If you are already familiar with these kanji, it becomes easier to associate the meaning of the word.

Tips for memorizing and using 著書

An effective way to retain 著書 is to associate it with specific contexts. For example, think of authors you admire and try to form sentences like "あの作家の著書を読みたい" (ano sakka no chosho o yomitai), which means "I want to read the books of that author". Practicing with real examples helps internalize the vocabulary.

Another tip is to remember that 著書 is not used for just any type of book. Magazines, comics, or textbooks are generally not referred to this way. The term is more related to authored works, such as novels, essays, or academic research. Knowing this difference helps avoid common mistakes among Japanese language students.

Curiosities about 著書 in Japanese culture

In Japan, having 著書 published is a sign of prestige, especially in academic and literary circles. Many authors and researchers list their works in their professional profiles, and this can influence their reputation. Therefore, the word carries a certain cultural weight.

Additionally, 著書 is frequently used in literary events and book fairs. If you have ever visited a bookstore in Japan, you may have seen sections dedicated to 著書 by local or international authors. This term helps to distinguish complete works from shorter articles or publications.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 著作 (chosaku) - Work written or original creation, especially in literature or art.
• 著述 (choshutsu) - Writings or works of an author, emphasizing the act of writing or composing.
• 著名作品 (chomei sakuhin) - Famous or recognized work, a piece that gained notoriety.

著書

Romaji: chosho
Kana: ちょしょ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Literary work; book

Meaning in English: literary work;book

Definition: A book written by a writer/researcher.

Example Sentences - (著書) chosho

See below some example sentences:

私の著書が出版されました。

Watashi no chosho ga shuppan sare mashita

My book was published.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 著書 - noun meaning "literary work" or "book written by the author himself".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出版 - verb meaning "to publish" or "to edit a book".
• されました - passive form of the verb "suru" which indicates that the action was carried out by another person or entity. In this case, the sentence means "My book has been published".