Translation guide
A book intended to be consulted for specific information rather than read cover-to-cover. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 参考書 (sankōsho), but the appropriate term depends on the type of reference and context.
A book used as a study aid or for looking up information, such as a textbook supplement or a guide.
The most common translation for 'reference book' in educational contexts. It refers to books used alongside textbooks for study, such as test prep books or supplementary guides.
試験のために参考書を買った。
I bought a reference book for the exam.
この参考書はとてもわかりやすい。
This reference book is very easy to understand.
A handbook or manual, often compact and covering a specific subject. Common in titles like 化学便覧 (Chemistry Handbook).
化学便覧で調べてみてください。
Please look it up in the chemistry handbook.
Loanword from English, used similarly to 'handbook'. Often implies a practical, compact guide.
このハンドブックには必要な情報が全部載っている。
This handbook contains all the necessary information.
A book meant for looking up facts, such as an encyclopedia, dictionary, or almanac.
A formal term for reference books in libraries, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and atlases. Often used in library contexts.
図書館の参考図書コーナーで調べた。
I looked it up in the reference section of the library.
Specifically an encyclopedia or a comprehensive reference work on a subject. Often appears in compound words like 百科事典 (encyclopedia).
A book providing instructions or detailed information for a specific activity or profession.
A guidebook or manual that provides step-by-step instructions. Often used for practical tasks.
この手引書に従って操作してください。
Please follow this manual for operation.
Loanword from English, commonly used for instruction manuals, especially for products or software.
Also used for compact reference books in professional fields, like a medical handbook.
参考書 is for personal study aids, while 参考図書 is for library reference materials that are often non-circulating.
参考書は書店で買えるが、参考図書は図書館でしか見られないことが多い。
You can buy sankōsho at a bookstore, but sankōtosho are often only available in libraries.
In English, 'reference book' can mean any book used for reference. In Japanese, 参考書 specifically means a study aid. For a dictionary or encyclopedia, use 辞書, 事典, or 参考図書.
JLPTの参考書が必要です。
I need a reference book for the JLPT.
この図書館には参考図書がたくさんあります。
This library has a large collection of reference books.
Loanword from English, used in library science or academic contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
このレファレンスブックは貸出禁止です。
This reference book cannot be checked out.
I looked up the word in the encyclopedia.
マニュアルを読まずに使い始めた。
I started using it without reading the manual.
医師はいつも便覧を持ち歩いている。
Doctors always carry a handbook with them.