🇯🇵 How to say

“book” in Japanese

本ほん
Illustration of "book" in a Japanese cultural setting
A cozy reading nook with a wooden shelf filled with colorful books. A person is sitting by the window, holding a thick novel and sipping tea.

Usage note

本 is a simple, everyday word for book, used in various contexts from school to leisure. It's one of the first nouns beginners learn and is central to many daily activities in Japan, like reading manga or studying.

Examples

  • この本はたのしいです。

    This book is fun.

  • ほんをよみます。

    I read a book.

  • あの本はわたしのです。

    That book is mine.

Quick check

What does "本" mean?

  • A. book
  • B. silver
  • C. bean
  • D. bird

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