Translation and Meaning of: 書物 - shomotsu

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 書物[しょもつ]. It may not be the most common in daily life, but it carries an interesting meaning and has a notable presence in specific contexts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used in Japan, and even tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to understanding the literal meaning of 書物, it is important to know its role in Japanese culture and how it appears in different situations. Is it a common word in everyday life? In what type of text or conversation does it arise? We will answer these questions and more, always based on reliable sources and accurate information. If you want to learn Japanese for real, the Suki Nihongo dictionary is a great reference to deepen your knowledge.

Meaning and use of 書物

The word 書物[しょもつ] literally means "book" or "written work," but its use goes beyond that. It refers to printed materials or manuscripts, such as books, documents, and even historical records. Unlike 本[ほん], which is a more generic term for "book," 書物 has a more formal and sometimes academic tone.

In Japan, this word appears more frequently in literary contexts, libraries, or discussions about knowledge. For example, it can be used to refer to a collection of old books or to important works by an author. If you are reading a classic text or a specialized article, you are more likely to encounter 書物 than in a casual conversation.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 書物 is composed of two kanji: 書 (to write) and 物 (thing). Together, they form the meaning of "written thing" or "object that contains writing." The first kanji, 書, is widely used in words related to writing, such as 書道[しょどう] (calligraphy) and 辞書[じしょ] (dictionary). The second kanji, 物, appears in various terms that indicate objects or items, such as 植物[しょくぶつ] (plant) and 動物[どうぶつ] (animal).

This combination is not random and reflects the importance of writing in Japanese culture. Since ancient times, books and documents have been seen as valuable objects, both for their content and for their materiality. The word 書物 carries a bit of this tradition, being more commonly used when one wants to give a respectful or intellectual tone to the subject.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

If you want to easily remember this word, a good strategy is to associate it with specific contexts. Think of libraries, old books, or academic collections. Since 書物 is not a common word, focusing on situations where it appears naturally helps to anchor it in memory. Another tip is to create flashcards with real usage examples, such as "この書物は貴重だ" (This book is valuable).

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the tone of the conversation or text. If the subject is informal, such as a reading recommendation among friends, 本[ほん] is the most natural choice. In formal settings or when discussing classic works, 書物 is a better fit. Knowing when and how to use them demonstrates a deeper understanding of the Japanese language.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 書籍 (shoseki) - Books in general, especially the published ones.
• 本 (hon) - Book; it can also mean origin or main body.
• 書 (sho) - Writing; it can refer to text or a written book.
• 作品 (sakuhin) - Work; generally refers to an artistic or literary creation.

書物

Romaji: shomotsu
Kana: しょもつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: books

Meaning in English: books

Definition: Something that conveys information by expressing words and symbols in letters.

Example Sentences - (書物) shomotsu

See below some example sentences:

書物は知識の宝庫です。

Shomotsu wa chishiki no hōko desu

Books are treasures of knowledge.

Books are a treasure trove of knowledge.

• 書物 - means "book" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicating that what comes next is the subject of the sentence.
• 知識 - means "knowledge" in Japanese.
• の - Possessive particle in Japanese, indicating that knowledge is the "treasure" of something.
• 宝庫 - means "treasure" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement.