Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'bookstore' is 本屋 (ほんや). However, there are several other terms that differ in formality, size, and whether they sell new or used books. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on the context.
Referring to a typical bookstore that sells new books, often small or medium-sized.
The most common and casual word for 'bookstore'. Used in everyday conversation.
駅前の本屋で雑誌を買った。
I bought a magazine at the bookstore in front of the station.
A more formal term for 'bookstore', often used in names of stores or in written language. Can refer to a bookstore within a larger building.
その書店は夜10時まで開いている。
That bookstore is open until 10 p.m.
Referring to a large bookstore, often part of a chain, with multiple floors and a wide selection.
Literally 'large bookstore'. Used for big bookstores like Kinokuniya or Junkudo.
大型書店なら専門書も見つかる。
You can find specialized books at a large bookstore.
Means 'bookstore chain'. Used when emphasizing the chain aspect.
この書店チェーンは全国に100店舗ある。
This bookstore chain has 100 stores nationwide.
Referring to a store that sells second-hand or antiquarian books.
The standard word for a used bookstore. Casual and widely understood.
古本屋で絶版の小説を見つけた。
I found an out-of-print novel at the used bookstore.
A more formal term for a used bookstore, often implying a shop dealing in rare or antiquarian books.
Referring to the book section or bookstore within a department store, shopping mall, etc.
Means 'book section' or 'book department'. Used when the bookstore is not a standalone shop.
デパートの書籍売り場で待ち合わせよう。
Let's meet at the book department in the department store.
本屋 (ほんや) is casual and used in daily conversation. 書店 (しょてん) is more formal and often appears in written language or store names. For example, you would say '近くの本屋に行く' (I'm going to the nearby bookstore) but a sign might read '○○書店'.
あの本屋は品揃えがいい。
That bookstore has a good selection.
丸善書店は歴史が長い。
Maruzen Bookstore has a long history.
図書館 means 'library', not 'bookstore'. Be careful not to mix them up.
図書館で本を借りた。
I borrowed a book from the library.
I strolled through the used bookstore district in Kanda.