本
Meanings
General term for a bound collection of pages, a volume, or a written script.
This book is very interesting.
The screenwriter wrote a new script.
Prefix indicating the primary or central element of something, as in 本部 (headquarters) or 本店 (main store).
The head office is in Tokyo.
The main tournament will be held next month.
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).
Please give me three pens.
I watched two movies yesterday.
He hit one home run.
Usage patterns· 7
- 〈物〉を〈数〉本買うto buy [a number of] long thin items (pens, bottles, etc.)
I bought two pens at the convenience store.
- 本を読むto read a book
I read a book every night before bed.
- 本気で〈動詞〉to do something seriously, in earnest
He started studying seriously.
- 本〈事〉についてregarding the matter/item in question
I will explain about this matter.
- 本を書くto write a book
He wrote a book about history.
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- 電話を一本入れるto make a (single) phone call
I made a quick phone call to my boss before leaving.
- 図書館で本を借りるto borrow a book from the library
I borrowed three books from the library.