1.
reference book, study guide
A book used as a source of information for studying or research, particularly for exam preparation.
参考書を買った。
I bought a reference book.
この参考書は分かりやすい。
This reference book is easy to understand.
試験のために参考書を3冊買って、毎日勉強した。
I bought three reference books for the exam and studied every day.
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 TERMS:
- 教科書: textbook (official school text)
- 問題集: workbook, problem collection
- 辞書: dictionary
- 参考: reference (the base noun, without 書)
COMPOSITION:
参考 (reference) + 書 (book/document). The suffix 書 appears in many book-related words: 教科書, 辞書, 説明書.