本(ほん)

ほん

noun

book

1. book

A bound publication with pages, including novels, textbooks, manga, and other printed materials. The most common word for 'book' in Japanese.

本(ほん)を読(よ)む。

I read a book.

This book is interesting.

I borrowed a book from the library.

I want to buy a new book, but I don't know what's good.

I like reading books before bed and read for at least 30 minutes every night.

本(ほん) is the most common word for book, covering novels, textbooks, manga, and other publications.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

OTHER USES:
As a counter for long, cylindrical objects (pens, bottles, trees) with readings ほん, ぼん, or ぽん depending on the number.

As a prefix meaning 'this' or 'main':

basic

Added 2026.1.5 19:34 · Revised 2026.2.3 14:08

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