1.
reference book, study guide
A book used as a source of information for studying or research, particularly for exam preparation.
参考書 is a reference book used for supplementary study, especially for exam preparation. Distinct from a textbook (教科書), which is the primary study material.
Common collocations
- 参考書を使う: to use a reference book
- 参考書で勉強する: to study with a reference book
- 参考書を買う: to buy a reference book
- 受験参考書: exam prep book
Related words
- 教科書: textbook (official school text)
- 問題集: workbook, problem collection
- 辞書: dictionary
- 参考: reference (the base noun, without 書)
Etymology
参考 (reference) + 書 (book/document). The suffix 書 appears in many book-related words: 教科書, 辞書, 説明書.
Related Words
Compare:
教科書 (textbook (official))
Related:
問題集 (workbook)
Related:
辞書 (dictionary)
Compare:
ワークブック (workbook)
Compare:
解説書 (explanatory book)
Compare:
学習書 (study book)
Compare:
文法書 (grammar book)