noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
favorite; likely winner
Used in competitions, elections, or predictions to refer to the most probable winner or top candidate.
今年の優勝候補の本命はあのチームだ。
That team is the favorite to win this year's championship.
選挙では彼が本命
He is seen as the likely winner in the election.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
first choice; one's heart's desire
Colloquial use for a person or thing one desires most, such as a romantic interest or preferred option.
彼女が俺の本命だ。
She's the one I really want.
本命の大学に合格した。
I got into my first-choice university.