Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a printed book is most commonly expressed as 本 (hon). However, there are more specific terms depending on format, binding, or context. This guide covers the most useful ways to refer to printed books in Japanese.
printed book (as opposed to e-book)
The most common, everyday word for a printed book, regardless of content or format.
The default word for 'book' in Japanese. It covers novels, textbooks, manga, and most bound printed materials. It is neutral in register and widely used.
This book is very interesting.
I like reading books.
A more formal term for 'book' or 'publication', often used in professional, academic, or commercial contexts. It emphasizes the book as a published work.
To emphasize that a book is a physical printed copy, as opposed to an e-book or digital version.
Literally 'paper book'. This is the most natural way to specify a printed book when contrasting with digital formats.
I prefer printed books to e-books.
Literally 'printed book'. More explicit but less common in everyday speech. Used when the printing process is relevant.
To refer to a printed book by its binding type, such as hardcover or paperback.
A standalone book, often a hardcover or trade paperback. Commonly used for novels, non-fiction, and collected manga volumes.
I read this novel as a printed book (standalone volume).
A small-format paperback, typically cheaper and portable. Very common for reprints of novels and manga.
本 (hon) is the everyday word for 'book'. 書籍 (shoseki) is more formal and often used in publishing, libraries, or academic contexts. For casual conversation, stick with 本.
Use the counter 冊 (さつ) for bound books: 一冊 (いっさつ, one book), 二冊 (にさつ, two books). For volumes of a series, 巻 (かん) is used: 一巻 (いっかん, volume one).
この書籍は絶版です。
This book is out of print.
Printed books take up space.
Paperback books (bunkobon) are convenient to carry around.
This book is the hardcover edition.