正 本(せいほん)

せいほん

noun

original copy; official document; authenticated text

1. original copy; official document; authenticated text

The authoritative, official version of a document or text, as opposed to copies or drafts. Used in legal, administrative, and scholarly contexts for documents that carry legal or official weight.

契約書(けいやくしょ)の正本(せいほん)を保管(ほかん)する。

To keep the original copy of the contract.

判決(はんけつ)の正本(せいほん)が裁判所(さいばんしょ)から届(とど)いた。

The official copy of the verdict arrived from the court.

この文書(ぶんしょ)はコピーではなく正本(せいほん)であることを確認(かくにん)してください。

Please confirm that this document is the original, not a copy.

Composed of 正(せい) (correct, authentic) and 本(ほん) (book, document). In legal contexts, the 正本(せいほん) is a certified copy issued by a court that has the same effect as the original. Distinct from an ordinary copy (写(うつ)し or コピー).

Common collocations

正本(せいほん)を交付(こうふ)する: to issue an official copy
正本(せいほん)を保管(ほかん)する: to store the original
判決(はんけつ)正本(せいほん): certified copy of a judgment
契約(けいやく)正本(せいほん): original contract document

Similar words

原本(げんぽん): original — the very first version of a document from which copies are made
副本(ふくほん): duplicate, secondary copy — an official copy made alongside the original
謄本(とうほん): certified copy — a full copy of an official register, such as a family register (戸籍(こせき)謄本(とうほん))

Related Words

Compare: 原本(げんぽん) (original)

Compare: 謄本(とうほん) (certified copy)

general

Added 2026.5.2 20:28 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29

26000/26453_seihon