Japanese · Culture & Society
本
hon
Book
Beginnernoun
Definition
A written or printed work. Japan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and a strong culture of reading, including dedicated manga cafés.
Example
図書館で本を借りてきました。
I borrowed a book from the library.
Etymology
'本' (hon) originally means 'root' or 'origin', and in the context of literature refers to a written work. The concept of books developed significantly with the introduction of printing.
How & Where It’s Used
'本' is used in both informal and formal conversations about literature and education, appearing in a range of contexts from everyday speech to scholarly writing.
Literary Heritage
Referenced in many pieces of literature and cultural critique, such as works by Natsume Sōseki.