What is the Kanji for "Book" and "Origin"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Book" and "Origin", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Book" and "Origin" is "本".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Moto".

Its onyomi reading is "Hon".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "木" means "Tree" and "Wood" and can be read as "Boku", "Ki", "Moku", and "Ko". And The kanji "一" means "One" and can be read as "Ichi", "Itsu", and "Hito".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "本" mean in japanese?

"本" means "Book" and "Origin".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in First Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

日本: "Japan". The proper noun '日本 (にっぽん)' refers to the country Japan, an island nation in East Asia. Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage, advanced technology, and unique customs. Some example sentences include: I love visiting Japan - (私は日本を訪れるのが大好きです). Japan is a beautiful country - (日本は美しい国です).

本: "Book". The Japanese noun '本 (ほん)' means 'book'. This word refers to a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers. Books can contain a variety of content such as literature, reference material, or educational content. Some example sentences: I love reading books - (本を読むのが大好きです). This is a very interesting book - (この本はとても興味深いです).

本当: "Truth". The Japanese noun '本当 (ほんとう)' means 'truth'. This word is used to refer to something that is factual, genuine, or real. It can be used to express the idea that something is the actual or true state of affairs, as opposed to something that is false or untrue. For example: That's the truth - (それが本当だ). I'm telling the truth - (本当のことを言っている).

本当に: "Truly" or "Really". The adverb '本当に (ほんとうに)' means 'truly' or 'really'. It is used to emphasize the sincerity or truthfulness of a statement. It can also be used to express strong agreement or affirmation. For example: I truly love you - (私は本当にあなたを愛しています). This is really delicious - (これは本当に美味しい).

基本: "Basic". The Japanese noun '基本 (きほん)' means 'basic'. This noun refers to the fundamental, essential, or core part of something. It can be used to describe the basic principles, rules, or elements that form the foundation of a concept, skill, or system. For example: The basic idea - (基本的な考え). This is the basic rule - (これが基本の規則です).

本屋: "Bookstore". The Japanese noun '本屋 (ほんや)' refers to a bookstore, a retail establishment that sells books, magazines, and other printed materials. Bookstores are an important part of Japanese culture and can range from large chain stores to small, independent shops. They are popular destinations for reading, browsing, and purchasing books. For example: I went to the bookstore to buy a new novel - (新しい小説を買うために本屋に行きました).

資本: "Capital". The noun '資本 (しほん)' means 'capital'. This refers to the money and assets used to start or operate a business. It can also refer to the money invested in a project or activity. '資本' is an important concept in economics and business management. For example: The company has a large amount of capital - (その会社は大きな資本を持っている). He invested his capital in the new venture - (彼は新しい事業に資本を投資した).

本人: "Person". The noun '本人 (ほんにん)' means 'person'. It refers to the actual, real, or true person, usually in contrast to someone else or something else. It can be used to emphasize that a particular person is the one being referred to, or to distinguish the true or genuine person from an impostor or substitute. For example: The person in question - (本人は質問にお答えします). That's the man himself - (本人がそこにいます).

本棚: "Bookshelf". The Japanese noun '本棚 (ほんだな)' refers to a piece of furniture used for storing and displaying books. It is typically a tall, vertical structure with multiple shelves or compartments designed to hold and organize books. 本棚はたくさんの本を収納できます。(The bookshelf can store many books.) 本棚の上に花を置きました。(I placed flowers on top of the bookshelf.)

本箱: "Bookshelf". The Japanese noun '本箱 (ほんばこ)' refers to a bookshelf, which is a piece of furniture used to store and display books. Bookshelves can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic, and they come in different sizes and styles to fit different spaces. They are commonly found in homes, offices, and libraries. For example: There are many books on the bookshelf - (本箱に多くの本がある).

本質: "Essence". The Japanese noun '本質 (ほんしつ)' means 'essence'. It refers to the fundamental nature or most important part of something. This word is commonly used to describe the core, central, or intrinsic properties of a person, object, or concept. For example: The essence of the problem - (問題の本質). This structure reveals the true essence of the company - (この構造は企業の本質を明らかにする).

本書: "Book". The noun '本書 (ほんしょ)' refers to a specific book or publication. It is a formal and polite way of referring to a book, often used in academic or literary contexts. For example: This book is very well-written - (この本書はとてもよく書かれています).

本の: "Slight". The Japanese determiner '本の (ほんの)' means 'slight' or 'just a little'. It is used to indicate that something is only a small amount or degree, not very much. It often modifies nouns to show the small or limited nature of the thing being described. For example: Just a slight chance - (本の可能性), It's just a slight problem - (それは本の問題だけです).

本部: "Headquarters" or "Main office". The Japanese noun '本部 (ほんぶ)' refers to the main office or central headquarters of an organization, company, or institution. It is the primary location where the key administration and decision-making functions are carried out. For example: The company's headquarters is located in Tokyo - (その会社の本部は東京にある). The headquarters of the organization is very busy today - (その組織の本部は今日とても忙しい).

根本: "Root" or "Foundation". The Japanese noun '根本 (こんぽん)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'root', referring to the base or origin of something, such as the root of a tree or the root cause of a problem. The second meaning is 'foundation', indicating the fundamental basis or core of something. This word is often used to describe the underlying principles or basic elements that support or form the structure of something. For example: The root of the problem - (問題の根本). The foundation of society - (社会の根本).

本物: "Real". The noun '本物 (ほんもの)' means 'real' or 'genuine'. It is used to describe something that is authentic, not fake or counterfeit. For example: This watch is real - (この時計は本物です). She bought a real Gucci bag - (彼女は本物のGucciのバッグを買いました).

本格: "Authenticity" or "Genuineness". The Japanese noun '本格 (ほんかく)' refers to the authenticity, genuineness, or true nature of something. It is used to describe something that is real, original, or made according to traditional methods. For example: This sushi is highly authentic - (この寿司は本格的です). The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is very genuine - (伝統的な茶道は本格的です).

資本主義: "Capitalism". The noun '資本主義 (しほんしゅぎ)' refers to the economic and political system based on the private ownership of the means of production and their operation for profit. Capitalism is characterized by the accumulation of capital, competitive markets, and wage labor. It is often contrasted with other economic systems like socialism or communism. For example: Capitalism has led to great economic growth - (資本主義は経済成長をもたらした). The rise of capitalism - (資本主義の台頭)

本社: "Headquarters". The Japanese noun '本社 (ほんしゃ)' refers to the main office or headquarters of a company or organization. It is the primary location where the central management and key operations of the business are based. For example: The company's headquarters is located in Tokyo - (本社は東京にある). Our headquarters is moving to a new building - (私たちの本社が新しいビルに移転します).

本能: "Instinct". The Japanese noun '本能 (ほんのう)' means 'instinct'. It refers to a natural, innate tendency or impulse that is present at birth and guides behavior, rather than being learned. It is an inborn inclination to act in a certain way, without conscious thought or deliberation. For example: Our instinct is to protect our family - (家族を守るのは私たちの本能です). Animals rely on their instincts to survive - (動物は生き残るために本能に頼っています).

本来: "Originally" or "Inherently". The adverb '本来 (ほんらい)' means 'originally' or 'inherently'. It is used to describe something that is fundamental, essential, or innate. It can indicate that something is in its natural or original state, or that a certain quality or characteristic is intrinsic to something. For example: That was originally my idea - (本来、あれが私のアイデアだった). He is inherently a good person - (彼は本来良い人間である).

本年: "This year". The Japanese noun '本年 (ほんねん)' means 'this year'. It is used to refer to the current calendar year. This word is commonly used in formal or business contexts to specify the current year as opposed to other years. For example: The sales goal for this year is 10% higher than last year - (本年の販売目標は前年比10%増です).

本日: "Today". The Japanese noun '本日 (ほんじつ)' means 'today'. It refers to the current or present day, and is used to indicate that something is happening or occurring on this particular day. For example: I have a meeting today - (本日、ミーティングがあります). Today's newspaper - (本日の新聞).

手本: "Model" or "Example". The Japanese noun '手本 (てほん)' means 'model' or 'example'. It refers to something that serves as a standard or pattern for others to follow. '手本' can be used to describe a physical object that is used as a template, or it can refer to a behavior, action, or process that others should emulate. For example: This painting is a good model to follow - (この絵は良い手本です). Let's use this document as an example - (このドキュメントを手本にしましょう).

本気: "Seriousness" or "Earnestness". The Japanese adjectival noun '本気 (ほんき)' means 'seriousness' or 'earnestness'. It describes the quality of being serious, sincere, or completely committed to something. 本気で取り組んでいます - (I am working on this with seriousness). 彼女は本気で私に告白した - (She confessed to me with earnestness).

見本: "Sample". The Japanese noun '見本 (みほん)' means 'sample'. This word is used to refer to an example or a small portion of something that is representative of the whole. '見本' is often used in a commercial context to show customers a sample of a product before they make a purchase. For example: Let me show you a sample - (見本をお見せします). We have samples available for you to review - (お客様に見本をご覧いただけます).

本国: "Homeland". The Japanese noun '本国 (ほんごく)' refers to one's native or original country, where someone was born and raised. It is used to distinguish this place from other countries that may be temporary residences or adoptive homes. For example: I am returning to my homeland - (私は本国に戻ります). The company is headquartered in the homeland - (その会社は本国に拠点を置いています).

本店: "Main store". The Japanese noun '本店 (ほんてん)' refers to the main or principal store or office of a business. It is the central location or headquarters where the core operations of the company are based. This is often contrasted with branch stores or regional offices that are subordinate to the main location. For example: The main store is located downtown - (本店は市街地にある). The company has its headquarters at the main store - (同社の本店が社長室がある).

古本: "Used book". The Japanese noun '古本 (ふるほん)' means 'used book'. This term refers to a book that has been previously owned and used, rather than a brand new book. Used books are often sold at a discounted price compared to new books. For example: I bought a used book at the second-hand bookstore - (古本屋で古本を買いました). She collected a lot of old books - (彼女は古本をたくさん集めていた).

本文: "Text". The Japanese noun '本文 (ほんぶん)' means 'text'. This noun refers to the main body of written material, as opposed to titles, headings, footnotes, etc. It is commonly used to describe the core content of a book, document, or article. For example: The text of the novel is very well-written - (小説の本文は非常によく書かれている). The text provides detailed information about the topic - (本文にはその話題について詳しい情報が書かれている).

本音: "Real intention". The Japanese noun '本音 (ほんね)' refers to one's true feelings or intentions, as opposed to the 'tatemae' (public face or facade). It represents the sincere, unfiltered thoughts and desires that a person may not openly express. '本音' suggests a sense of honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity that lies beneath the surface. For example: She revealed her real intentions - (彼女は本音を明かした). I want to know your true feelings - (あなたの本音が知りたい).

本格的: "Authentic". The Japanese adjective '本格的 (ほんかくてき)' means 'authentic'. This word is used to describe something that is genuine, real, or true to its original form. It conveys a sense of high quality and attention to detail. For example: This is an authentic Japanese tea ceremony - (これは本格的な日本の茶道です). The authentic Italian restaurant serves delicious food - (本格的なイタリア料理店は美味しい料理を提供しています).

日本酒: "Sake". The noun '日本酒 (にほんしゅ)' refers to traditional Japanese rice wine, commonly known as 'sake'. It is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from rice, water and koji mold. Sake has a long history in Japanese culture and is often enjoyed during special occasions and meals. Examples: I enjoyed a glass of sake - (日本酒を一杯飲みました). Let's have some sake together - (一緒に日本酒を飲もう).

本願: "Vow" or "Chief aim". The Japanese noun '本願 (ほんがん)' refers to a solemn vow or principal aim. It is often used in Buddhist contexts to describe the primary goal or objective that someone is striving to achieve, such as the attainment of enlightenment or rebirth in the Pure Land. For example: His chief vow is to become enlightened - (彼の本願は悟りを開くことである). The store's primary aim is excellent customer service - (この店の本願は優れた顧客サービスにある).

絵本: "Picture book". The Japanese noun '絵本 (えほん)' refers to a 'picture book', which is a type of children's book that features illustrations or pictures alongside the text. Picture books often have simple stories and are designed to engage young readers through the combination of visuals and written content. They are commonly used to help children develop their literacy skills and cultivate an early interest in reading. For example: She loves reading picture books - (彼女は絵本を読むのが大好きです).

本体: "Main body". The Japanese noun '本体 (ほんたい)' refers to the main or essential part of something. It is used to describe the primary, central or fundamental component of an object, device or system. For example: The main body of the computer - (コンピューターの本体). This is the key or principal part, as opposed to peripheral devices or accessories. '本体' conveys the core, integral and principal component of an item.

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "ほ" is read as "ho". The hiragana "ん" is read as "n". The hiragana "も" is read as "mo". And The hiragana "と" is read as "to".

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.