書しょ房ぼう

しょ

ぼ

う

Common wordFreq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

Refers to a room or space for reading and study, or a collection of books; can also mean a library in a traditional or private context.

祖そ父ふの書しょ房ぼうには古ふるい本ほんがたくさんある。
There are many old books in my grandfather's study.
この寺てらの書しょ房ぼうは一いっ般ぱんに公こう開かいされている。
The library of this temple is open to the public.

noun

bookstore; bookshop; publishing company

Used for shops that sell books or for publishing firms; often appears in company names or formal contexts.

駅えき前まえに新あたらしい書しょ房ぼうがオープンした。
A new bookstore opened in front of the station.
彼かれは小ちいさな書しょ房ぼうを経けい営えいしている。
He runs a small publishing company.

See all 5 example sentences ›

Kanji

書write
房tassel, tuft, fringe

Related words

書しょ店てんN2sense 2
書店 is the everyday word for a bookstore, while 書房 sounds more formal or old-fashioned and often appears in company names.
書しょ斎さいN3sense 1
書斎 is the common word for a personal study room, while 書房 carries the same meaning but sounds more classical or literary.
出しゅっ版ぱん社しゃN3sense 2
出版社 is the standard modern term for a publishing company, whereas 書房 is a more literary or traditional way to refer to one, often used in its actual name.
図と書しょ館かんN5sense 1
図書館 refers to a full-scale public library, while 書房 suggests a smaller, private, or old-fashioned collection of books.

Etymology

Compound of 書 (writing, book) and 房 (room, chamber). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally suggests a room for books.