文庫本(ぶんこぼん)

ぶんこぼん
noun
paperback book, pocket-sized book
1. paperback book, bunko-format book
A small, affordable paperback book in the standard Japanese bunko format (approximately A6 size, 105 × 148 mm). A distinctive feature of the Japanese publishing industry, bunko editions are typically reprints of hardcover books released at a lower price point.
文庫本(ぶんこぼん)なら鞄(かばん)に入(はい)る。
A paperback will fit in a bag.
ハードカバーは高(たか)いので、文庫本(ぶんこぼん)が出(で)るまで待(ま)つことにした。
Since the hardcover is expensive, I decided to wait until the paperback comes out.
You often see people reading paperbacks on commuter trains.

Usage

A compound of 文庫(ぶんこ) (library/collection) and 本(ほん) (book). The bunko format is a staple of Japanese publishing — major publishers have their own bunko lines (e.g., 新潮文庫(しんちょうぶんこ), 角川文庫(かどかわぶんこ)). Bunko books are typically priced around ¥500-800, significantly cheaper than hardcovers. They are popular for reading on trains due to their compact size.

Common collocations

  • 文庫本(ぶんこぼん)を読(よ)む: to read a paperback
  • 文庫本(ぶんこぼん)化(か): publication in paperback format
  • 文庫本(ぶんこぼん)サイズ: paperback size

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