古書
Meanings
1
Refers to books that are old, antiquarian, or of historical value, not simply secondhand. Often used in contexts like 古書店 (antiquarian bookstore).
His hobby is collecting old books.
This antiquarian bookstore has many valuable old books.
2
secondhand book; used book
Used for books that are pre-owned, regardless of age. Often interchangeable with 古本, but 古書 can sound slightly more formal or refer to older used books.
See also: 古本
I bought a cheap used book at the secondhand bookstore near the station.
Usage patterns
- 古書を収集するto collect old/rare books
His hobby is collecting old books.
- 古書店で〈物〉を探すto look for something at an antiquarian bookstore
I looked for a rare book at the antiquarian bookstore.
- 古書市で〈物〉を買うto buy something at an old-book fair
I bought an old map at the used-book fair.