文庫(ぶんこ)

ぶんこ
noun
paperback pocket edition; library collection
1. paperback pocket edition
A small, affordable paperback book format standard in Japanese publishing. Bunko editions are typically A6 size (105×148mm) and are how most novels and classic literature are republished for wide distribution.
この小説(しょうせつ)は文庫(ぶんこ)で読(よ)んだ。
I read this novel in paperback.
文庫本(ぶんこぼん)はかばんに入(い)れやすい。
Paperback books are easy to put in a bag.
単行本(たんこうぼん)が出(で)てから半年(はんとし)で文庫(ぶんこ)になった。
It came out in paperback half a year after the hardcover was released.
あの出版社(しゅっぱんしゃ)の文庫(ぶんこ)レーベルはカバーのデザインが美(うつく)しい。
That publisher's paperback imprint has beautiful cover designs.
2. library; collection of writings
A curated collection of books or literary works, or a small library. Often used in the names of publishing imprints or special collections.
学校(がっこう)の文庫(ぶんこ)で本(ほん)を借(か)りた。
I borrowed a book from the school library.
青空文庫(あおぞらぶんこ)には著作権(ちょさくけん)の切(き)れた作品(さくひん)が集(あつ)められている。
Aozora Bunko collects works whose copyright has expired.
あの出版社(しゅっぱんしゃ)の文庫(ぶんこ)レーベルはカバーのデザインが美(うつく)しい。
That publisher's paperback imprint has beautiful cover designs.

In modern usage, 文庫(ぶんこ) most commonly refers to the small paperback format (文庫本(ぶんこぼん)). Major publishers each have their own bunko imprints: 岩波文庫(いわなみぶんこ), 新潮文庫(しんちょうぶんこ), 角川文庫(かどかわぶんこ), etc.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 文庫本(ぶんこぼん) — paperback book
  • 文庫(ぶんこ)サイズ — paperback size (A6)
  • 文庫化(ぶんこか) — release in paperback format
  • 文庫(ぶんこ)で出(で)る — to come out in paperback

RELATED WORDS:

  • 単行本(たんこうぼん) — hardcover book
  • 新書(しんしょ) — new book format (slightly taller than bunko)
  • 蔵書(ぞうしょ) — book collection
general
Added 2026.3.22 11:26
18000/18437_bunko