Translation and Meaning of: 本 - hon

The Japanese word 「本」 (hon) is a multifaceted expression that carries different meanings depending on the context, although it is generally known as "book" in the Japanese language. The reading "hon" applies when the character is used to describe objects such as books, or to measure cylindrical and long things, like bottles or pencils. The versatility of the word makes it an essential component in both the everyday and cultural aspects of the Japanese language.

Etymologically, 「本」 is composed of two main components in Kanji. The upper part, which resembles a cross, traditionally represents the idea of division or a certain point. The lower part, which looks like a horizontal line, denotes base or essence. Thus, the combination of these elements suggests the essence or origin of something. Historically, this connects to the notion of "book" as a foundation of knowledge or information.

The use of 「本」 is not limited to reading materials. In Japanese, the word extends to the act of counting, as in "ippon" (一本), which means "one long object." This illustrates how the concept of essence or base applies in various contexts in Japanese culture, showing the importance and flexibility of 「本」 in the language. Furthermore, the same word is found in expressions like "nihon" (日本), indicating "Japan," once again highlighting how this kanji permeates the language with a profound meaning of foundation and origin.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 書籍 (shoseki) - Books, publications
• 書物 (shomotsu) - Books, literary works
• 本文 (honbun) - Main text, content
• 本書 (honsho) - This book, this work
• 本著 (honcho) - This work, this job
• 本作 (honsaku) - This work, this (job) created
• 本格 (honkaku) - Authentic, genuine, complete
• 本日 (honjitsu) - Today, the current day
• 本年 (honnnen) - This year, the current year
• 本屋 (honya) - Bookstore, book shop
• 本棚 (hondana) - Bookshelf
• 本体 (hontai) - Body (of an object), real part
• 本質 (honshitsu) - Essence, true nature
• 本題 (hondai) - Main subject, central topic
• 本場 (honba) - Local original, authentic local
• 本店 (honten) - Main store, original branch
• 本社 (honsha) - Headquarters, parent company
• 本部 (honbu) - Main department, central section
• 本格的 (honkakuteki) - Authentic, in full style
• 本格派 (honkakuhai) - Authentic style, traditional format

本

Romaji: hon
Kana: ほん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: book; main; boss; This one; our; counter for long cylindrical things

Meaning in English: book;main;head;this;our;counter for long cylindrical things

Definition: A collection of printed material on paper or papers. Used for reading and research.

Example Sentences - (本) hon

See below some example sentences:

この本を勧めます。

Kono hon wo susumemasu

Eu recomendo este livro.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 勧めます - verb meaning "recommend"

この本はとても面白いです。

Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu

This book is very interesting.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 面白い - The adjective that means "interesting/fun" is "面白い" (omoshiroi).
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form

この見本はとても魅力的です。

Kono mihon wa totemo miryokuteki desu

This sample is very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 見本 - noun meaning "example" or "sample"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 魅力的 - adjective meaning "attractive" or "charming"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この本は私にとって重宝な情報源です。

Kono hon wa watashi ni totte chōhō na jōhōgen desu

This book is a valuable source of information for me.

This book is a helpful resource for me.

• この本 - This book
• は - Topic particle
• 私にとって - for me
• 重宝な - valuable
• 情報源 - source of information
• です - Verb to be/estar

この本は「全集」というタイトルです。

Kono hon wa "zenshu" to iu taitoru desu

• この本 - This book
• は - is
• 「全集」 - "Complete collection"
• という - called from
• タイトル - title
• です - is

この製品は日本原産です。

Kono seihin wa Nihon gensan desu

This product is of Japanese origin.

This product is native to Japan.

• この製品 - This product
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本 - Japan
• 原産 - Origin, production
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

ライスは日本の主食です。

Raisu wa Nihon no shushoku desu

Rice is a Japanese basic food.

• ライス - rice
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 主食 - staple food
• です - verb to be, polite form

一昨年の夏に日本を訪れました。

Issakunen no natsu ni Nihon wo otozuremashita

I visited Japan two years ago.

• 一昨年 - "the year before last", i.e. "the year before last"
• の - Possession particle
• 夏 - "summer"
• に - particle of time
• 日本 - Japan
• を - direct object particle
• 訪れました - "visited"

一部の本を読みました。

Ichibu no hon wo yomimashita

I read a book of a part.

I read some books.

• 一部の - "some"
• 本 - "books"
• を - direct object particle
• 読みました - "he/she"

万歳！日本が大好きです！

Banzai! Nihon ga daisuki desu!

Alive! I love Japan!

Banzai! I love Japan!

• 万歳！ - "Banzai!" (Japanese expression of celebration)
• 日本 - Japan
• が - subject particle
• 大好き - "muito amado"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form