1.
genuine leather; real leather
Natural leather made from animal hide, as opposed to synthetic or artificial leather. Used as a material descriptor for bags, shoes, wallets, and other goods.
この財布は本革です。
This wallet is made of genuine leather.
本革の靴は手入れが大切だ。
Leather shoes require proper care.
合皮より本革のほうが長持ちするが、値段も高い。
Genuine leather lasts longer than synthetic leather, but it's also more expensive.
USAGE:
Often seen on product labels and shopping descriptions. The 本 prefix means "genuine" or "real," contrasting with 合成 (synthetic) or 合皮 (synthetic leather).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本革製 (made of genuine leather)
- 本革のバッグ (a genuine leather bag)
- 本革シート (leather seats, e.g., in a car)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 合皮: synthetic leather — shorter form of 合成皮革
- 皮革: leather, hides — a more general or technical term