1.
genuine article, real thing
An authentic item as opposed to a fake or imitation.
この絵は本物ですか、偽物ですか。
Is this painting genuine or fake?
本物の味を知っている。
I know the taste of the real thing.
この時計は本物そっくりだが、実は偽物だ。
This watch looks just like the real thing, but it's actually a fake.
本物そっくり = just like the real thing
2.
the real deal (person)
A person with genuine skill or talent.
彼は本物のプロだ。
He's a true professional.
Figurative usage for a skilled person
何年も努力を続けてきた彼女こそ、本物の実力を持っている。
She, who has continued to work hard for years, is the one with genuine ability.
厳しい練習を乗り越えてこそ、本物の選手になれる。
Only by overcoming tough training can you become a true athlete.
本物 means the genuine article — something authentic as opposed to a fake. It can also describe a person with real skill or talent ("the real deal").
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 本物の〜: genuine ~, real ~
- 本物かどうか: whether it's real or not
- 本物そっくり: just like the real thing
- 本物の味: the taste of the real thing
ANTONYM:
偽物 (fake, counterfeit). The pair 本物 vs. 偽物 is very commonly used together.
RELATED WORDS:
- 本当: truth, reality (abstract)
- 本格的: authentic, full-scale
- 正真正銘: genuine, authentic (emphatic four-character compound)
Related Words
Antonym:
偽物 (fake)