(ほんかん)

ほんかん
noun
main building; main hall
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)本館(ほんかん)の1(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)本館(ほんかん)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)別館(べっかん)(わた)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:

  • 本館(ほんかん)1(かい): first floor of the main building
  • 本館(ほんかん)ロビー: main building lobby
  • 本館(ほんかん)別館(べっかん): main building and annex

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 TERMS:

  • 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