本

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 本を読みます。▶ —
   I read a book.
2. この本は面白いです。▶ —
   This book is interesting.

Collocations

Mnemonic

本 hon — two meanings: ① book ② origin/base. Also used as a counter (一本, 二本) for long, thin objects (bottles, pencils). At N5, the "book" meaning is primary.

Quick check

1. How do you say "one book" using a counter in Japanese?

   • 本一冊 issatsu (correct, 冊 for books)
   • 本一個 hitotsu (general)
   • 本一本 ippon (long thin objects)
   • 本一枚 ichimai (flat objects)