traditional unit of length (approx. 1.82 m)
Historical Japanese unit equal to 6 shaku; used in traditional architecture and land measurement. Not used in modern everyday contexts.
The pillar spacing in this old house is measured in honken.
One ken is six shaku, also called honken.
本間 read ほんけん is a traditional unit of length, while the same kanji read ほんま is an unrelated Japanese surname.
Compound of 本 (hon, 'main' or 'standard') and 間 (ken, a unit of length). The prefix 本 likely emphasizes the standard or full measure, distinguishing it from other regional or adjusted ken lengths.