Translation guide
The English word "textbook" can refer to a physical educational book, or metaphorically to something that is a perfect example of its kind. This guide covers both meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese.
A book used in schools or for studying a subject.
The standard word for a school textbook, used from elementary to high school.
Often used for university-level or language-learning materials. Can also refer to a text or script.
A broader term for teaching materials, including textbooks, worksheets, and other resources.
A reference book or study guide, often used alongside a main textbook for exam preparation.
Something that is a typical or ideal example of its kind, often used in phrases like "textbook case" or "textbook example."
a textbook example of something · a textbook case · textbook perfect
While 教科書どおり (kyōkasho dōri, "just like the textbook") exists, it often implies doing something by the book in a rigid, uncreative way. For a positive "textbook example," use 典型的な or お手本のような instead.
I forgot my math textbook.
This textbook is very easy to understand.
英語のテキストを買いました。
I bought an English textbook.
この教材は初心者向けです。
This textbook/material is for beginners.
試験のために参考書を買った。
I bought a study guide for the exam.
That's a textbook example.
You're showing textbook symptoms.
Literally "like a model/example," used for something that is an ideal or perfect example to follow.
His play is textbook perfect.
Means "exemplary" or "model," often used in formal contexts.
His behavior was textbook.