本館(ほんかん)

ほんかん
noun
main building; main hall
building
1. main building; main hall; main wing
The primary or central building of a complex, as opposed to annexes or satellite buildings. Used for museums, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other institutions with multiple buildings.
受付(うけつけ)は本館(ほんかん)の1階(かい)です。
The reception desk is on the first floor of the main building.
美術館(びじゅつかん)の本館(ほんかん)は改装中(かいそうちゅう)だ。
The main building of the art museum is under renovation.
ホテルの本館(ほんかん)と別館(べっかん)は渡(わた)り廊下(ろうか)でつながっている。
The hotel's main building and annex are connected by a covered walkway.

The primary building in a complex of multiple buildings. Very commonly seen on signs and in directions at museums, hotels, hospitals, and universities.

Common collocations

Usage

Frequently appears on directional signs and in spoken directions at large facilities. The distinction between 本館(ほんかん) and 別館(べっかん) is essential for navigating Japanese hotels, museums, and hospitals.

Related words

  • 別館(べっかん): annex, secondary building
  • 新館(しんかん): new building/wing
  • 旧館(きゅうかん): old building/wing

Related Words

Related: 別館(べっかん) (annex, secondary building)
Compare: 事務棟(じむとう) (office building)
general
Added 2026.4.1 5:26 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
21000/21133_honkan