Readings: ホン (Onyomi), もと (Kunyomi)
Meaning: book, origin, root
本 is a common and highly useful kanji in Japanese. It literally means “origin” or “root,” but is most commonly used to mean “book.” It also serves as a counter for long cylindrical objects, such as bottles and pencils.
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 木 (tree) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 5 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 1st Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ホン (hon) |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | もと (moto) |
How to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 本 is derived from the character 木 (tree) with an added line at the base to emphasize the root. It has 5 strokes and is simple to write and remember.
- Start with the 木 component (vertical + two diagonal strokes + bottom)
- Add the short horizontal line at the base
Example Sentences
Japanese: この本はおもしろいです。
Kana: このほんはおもしろいです。
Romaji: Kono hon wa omoshiroi desu.
English: This book is interesting.
Japanese: 本を読みます。
Kana: ほんをよみます。
Romaji: Hon o yomimasu.
English: I read a book.
Japanese: 日本は美しい国です。
Kana: にほんはうつくしいくにです。
Romaji: Nihon wa utsukushii kuni desu.
English: Japan is a beautiful country.
Vocabulary Using 本
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 本 | ほん | book |
| 日本 | にほん | Japan |
| 本当 | ほんとう | truth |
| 本日 | ほんじつ | today (formal) |
| 一本 | いっぽん | one (long object) |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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