Translation guide
A book printed before 1501, during the infancy of European printing. This is a specialized historical term.
Refer to a book printed in Europe before 1501, during the earliest period of printing with movable type.
The standard loanword from Latin, used in academic and bibliographic contexts. Often written in katakana.
This library holds a valuable incunabulum.
A native Japanese term literally meaning 'cradle period book.' Used in some bibliographic contexts, but less common than the loanword.
A more general term meaning 'early printed book.' Can be used when the exact date range is not critical, but may not be as precise as インキュナブラ.
インキュナブラ is the most precise term, but it is a technical word. In casual conversation, you might need to explain it as 「15世紀以前に印刷された本」(books printed before the 15th century).
The study of incunabula is important in the history of printing.
15th-century early printed books are extremely rare.