絵本(えほん)

えほん
noun
picture book
educationmedia
1. picture book
A book with illustrations, typically for young children. The pictures are the main content, with text playing a supporting role.
子供(こども)に絵本(えほん)を読(よ)む。
To read a picture book to a child.
この絵本(えほん)は世界中(せかいじゅう)で人気(にんき)がある。
This picture book is popular around the world.
寝(ね)る前(まえ)に、母(はは)がいつも絵本(えほん)を読(よ)んでくれた。
Before bed, my mother always read me a picture book.

絵本(えほん) is a book where illustrations are the primary content, typically aimed at young children. Composed of 絵(え) (picture) + 本(ほん) (book).

Common collocations

  • 絵本(えほん)を読(よ)む: to read a picture book
  • 絵本(えほん)を読(よ)み聞(き)かせる: to read aloud (to a child)
  • 絵本作家(えほんさっか): picture book author/illustrator
  • 絵本(えほん)の読(よ)み聞(き)かせ: storytime, read-aloud session

Related words

Cultural note

In Japan, 読(よ)み聞(き)かせ (reading aloud to children) is a valued educational practice. Libraries and bookstores regularly hold 絵本(えほん)の読(よ)み聞(き)かせ events. 絵本(えほん) is also used by adult Japanese language learners as reading practice.

Related Words

Related: 漫画(まんが) (manga, comic book)
Related: 童話(どうわ) (fairy tale, children's story)
Related: 図鑑(ずかん) (illustrated reference/encyclopedia)
Compare: 児童文学(じどうぶんがく) (children's literature)
general
Added 2026.2.7 20:20 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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