本物(ほんもの)

ほんもの
noun
genuine article
communicationwork
1. genuine article, real thing
An authentic item as opposed to a fake or imitation.
この絵(え)は本物(ほんもの)ですか、偽物(にせもの)ですか。
Is this painting genuine or fake?
本物(ほんもの)の味(あじ)を知(し)っている。
I know the taste of the real thing.
この時計(とけい)は本物(ほんもの)そっくりだが、実(じつ)は偽物(にせもの)だ。
This watch looks just like the real thing, but it's actually a fake.
本物(ほんもの)そっくり = just like the real thing
2. the real deal (person)
A person with genuine skill or talent.
彼(かれ)は本物(ほんもの)のプロだ。
He's a true professional.
Figurative usage for a skilled person
何年(なんねん)も努力(どりょく)を続(つづ)けてきた彼女(かのじょ)こそ、本物(ほんもの)の実力(じつりょく)を持(も)っている。
She, who has continued to work hard for years, is the one with genuine ability.
厳(きび)しい練習(れんしゅう)を乗(の)り越(こ)えてこそ、本物(ほんもの)の選手(せんしゅ)になれる。
Only by overcoming tough training can you become a true athlete.

本物(ほんもの) 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

Antonym: 偽物(にせもの) (fake, counterfeit)

Related Words

Antonym: 偽物(にせもの) (fake)
Compare: 純正(じゅんせい) (genuine)
Compare: 本場物(ほんばもの) (the genuine article)
Compare: 実(じつ) (real)
general
Added 2026.1.13 0:38 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
03500/03628_honmono