1.
main body, main unit
The primary or central part of a device, system, or object, as distinguished from its accessories, peripherals, or attachments.
パソコン本体の価格はいくらですか。
How much is the computer unit itself?
カメラ本体にレンズは含まれていない。
The lens is not included with the camera body.
本体価格は税抜きで表示されている。
The base price is displayed excluding tax.
2.
true form, essence, substance
The true nature or essential form of something. Used in philosophical, religious, or narrative contexts to refer to something's real identity.
敵の本体はどこだ。
Where is the enemy's true form?
事件の本体はまだ見えていない。
The true nature of the case is still not visible.
あのロボットの本体は地下の研究所に隠されている。
That robot's main body is hidden in an underground laboratory.
Compound of 本 (main, true) + 体 (body). Has two distinct uses: the physical main unit of a product, and the philosophical/narrative sense of "true form."
SENSE 1 (main unit):
The more common everyday usage. In commerce, 本体価格 means the base price before tax.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本体価格: base price (before tax)
- パソコン本体: computer main unit
- カメラ本体: camera body
- ゲーム機本体: game console unit
- 本体のみ: main unit only
SENSE 2 (true form):
More literary. Appears in fiction, philosophy, and Buddhism to refer to something's essential nature or real identity.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 本質: essence (more abstract)
- 実体: substance, entity