also: ほんもん
main text; body text
Refers to the primary content of a document, book, or letter, as opposed to headings, footnotes, or appendices.
この本の本文はとても読みやすい。
The main text of this book is very easy to read.
メールの本文に詳細を書いてください。
Please write the details in the body of the email.
this passage; this sentence
Used to refer to a specific passage or sentence within a text, often in academic or explanatory contexts.
本文のこの部分が特に重要です。
This passage in the text is particularly important.
The main text states the date of the meeting.
Please summarize the main text of the report in three lines.
I don't understand the meaning of this word in the main text.
I skimmed through the main text of the contract before the meeting.
前文 is the preamble or introductory statement of a document, whereas 本文 is the main body that follows it.
本書 refers to the whole book or document itself, while 本文 refers specifically to the main body text within it, as opposed to notes or appendices.