noun
General term for a bound collection of pages, a volume, or a written script.
この本はとても面白いです。
This book is very interesting.
脚本家が新しい本を書いた。
The screenwriter wrote a new script.
prefix
this; present; current; in question
Prefix used to refer to the current or aforementioned thing, often in formal or business contexts.
本件については後ほどご連絡いたします。
We will contact you later regarding this matter.
本日はお忙しいところありがとうございます。
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule today.
prefix
Prefix indicating the primary or central element of something, as in 本部 (headquarters) or 本店 (main store).
本社は東京にあります。
The head office is in Tokyo.
本大会は来月開催されます。
The main tournament will be held next month.
prefix
real; genuine; regular; proper
Prefix emphasizing authenticity or the true form of something, as in 本物 (the real thing) or 本気 (seriousness).
これは本物のダイヤモンドですか。
Is this a real diamond?
彼は本気で留学を考えている。
He is seriously considering studying abroad.
counter
counter for long cylindrical objects; counter for films, TV shows, etc.; counter for goals, home runs, etc.; counter for telephone calls
Versatile counter used for long thin objects, as well as for movies, episodes, goals, and phone calls. The reading may change depending on the number (e.g., いっぽん, にほん, さんぼん).
ペンを三本ください。
Please give me three pens.
昨日、映画を二本見た。
I watched two movies yesterday.
彼はホームランを一本打った。
He hit one home run.
A more formal or literary term for books, often referring to books as physical objects or in a collective sense.
Counter for books and magazines, used specifically for bound volumes, unlike 本 which has broader counter uses.
The kanji 本 originally depicted a tree with a mark at its base, meaning 'root' or 'origin'. Over time it extended to mean 'main', 'real', and 'book' (possibly from the idea of a root being the source). The counter usage developed from counting long, thin objects like tree trunks.