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:

日本は美しい国です。

Nihon wa utsukushii kuni desu

Japan is a beautiful country.

• 日本 - Proper name, referring to the country Japan.
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "Japan".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 国 - Noun that means "country".
• です - verb "to be" in a polite and formal way.

日本語を勉強しています。

Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I'm studying Japanese.

I'm learning Japanese.

• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 勉強 - means "study" or "learn".
• しています - It is a polite and respectful way to say "I am doing."

日本の領土は四つの主要な島と多くの小さな島々から成り立っています。

Nihon no ryōdo wa yottsu no shuyōna shima to ōku no chīsana shimatō kara narimatte imasu

The territory of Japan consists of four main islands and many small islands.

• 日本の領土 - "territory of Japan"
• 四つの主要な島 - "four main islands"
• と - "and"
• 多くの小さな島々 - "many small islands"
• から成り立っています - "consists of"

本国の文化は多様で美しいです。

Honkoku no bunka wa tayou de utsukushii desu

A cultura do país de origem é diversa e bonita.

• 本国 - significa "país de origem" ou "país natal".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 文化 - refere-se à cultura de um povo ou nação.
• は - partícula que indica o tema principal da frase.
• 多様 - means "diverse" or "varied".
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done.
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verbo "ser" na forma educada ou formal.

本人は自分自身を知ることが大切だ。

Honjin wa jibun jishin o shiru koto ga taisetsu da

It is important for a person to know themselves.

It is important for a person to know themselves.

• 本人 - means "myself" or "the person herself/himself".
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 自分自身 - means "oneself" or "the person themselves."
• を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action.
• 知る - verb that means "to know" or "to be aware".
• こと - noun that indicates an action or a fact.
• が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action.
• 大切 - Adjective that means "important" or "valuable".
• だ - verb that indicates existence or identity.

本を読むのが好きです。

Hon wo yomu no ga suki desu

I like read books.

• 本 - means "book" in Japanese.
• を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 読む - It is a verb that means "to read."
• のが - it is a grammatical construction that indicates a preference or ability.
• 好き - It is an adjective that means "to like".
• です - It is a polite way to end a sentence in Japanese, equivalent to our "is" or "it is".

本気でやりましょう。

Honki de yarimashou

Let's do this seriously.

Let's do this seriously.

• 本気 - means "seriousness" or "sincerity".
• で - It is a particle that indicates the means or the manner in which something is done.
• やり - it is a form of the verb "to do".
• ましょう - It is a polite and encouraging form of the verb "to do".

本当にありがとう。

Hontou ni arigatou

Muito obrigado de verdade.

muito obrigado.

• 本当に - advérbio que significa "realmente" ou "verdadeiramente".
• ありがとう - expressão de agradecimento em japonês, que significa "obrigado".

本場の味を堪能しよう。

Honba no aji wo tanoshimiyou

Let's enjoy the authentic taste.

Let's enjoy the authentic taste.

• 本場 - It means "place of origin" or "authentic place".
• の - Particle that indicates possession or relationship.
• 味 - It means "flavor" or "taste."
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 堪能 - It means "enjoy fully" or "appreciate completely".
• しよう - Imperative form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "yoo" (let's do).

本部に行く予定です。

Hombu ni iku yotei desu

I intend to go to headquarters.

• 本部 (honbu) - It means "headquarters" or "main office".
• に (ni) - A noun that indicates the location where something happens.
• 行く (iku) - a verb that means "to go".
• 予定 (yotei) - means "plan" or "schedule".
• です (desu) - a particle that indicates the polite or respectful way of speaking.