本 – Book / Origin / Main (Hon Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 本.
Kanji 本 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
本 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 日本 (nihon – Japan) and 本当 (hontou – true, really). Also used as a counter for long, cylindrical objects, changing sound to ぼん (bon) or ぽん (pon) in some cases, such as 三本 (sanbon – three [long objects]).
A less common reading meaning "origin" or "basis," used in some names and set expressions.
本 Stroke Order – How to Write 本
本 is written with 5 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write 木 (tree) first — the horizontal, vertical, and two diagonal strokes — then add the short horizontal stroke through the base to mark the root.
Common Words Using 本 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 本, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 本
See 本 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
この本はとても面白いです。
この ほんは とても おもしろいです。
Kono hon wa totemo omoshiroi desu.
This book is very interesting.
彼女は日本語が上手です。
かのじょは にほんごが じょうずです。
Kanojo wa nihongo ga jouzu desu.
She is good at Japanese.
それは本当ですか。
それは ほんとうですか。
Sore wa hontou desu ka.
Is that true?
本屋で新しい本を買いました。
ほんやで あたらしい ほんを かいました。
Honya de atarashii hon o kaimashita.
I bought a new book at the bookstore.
鉛筆を三本ください。
えんぴつを さんぼん ください。
Enpitsu o sanbon kudasai.
Please give me three pencils.
Frequently Asked Questions About 本
What does the Kanji 本 mean?
本 means book, but also origin, root, or main/true. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji, seen in words like 日本 (nihon, Japan) and 本当 (hontou, true/really).
What is the Onyomi reading of 本?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 本 is ホン (hon), as in 本 (hon, book) and 日本 (nihon, Japan).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 本?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 本 is もと (moto), meaning "origin" or "basis," though this reading is less common in everyday speech than ホン.
How many strokes does 本 have?
本 is written with 5 strokes.
Is 本 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 本 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the most frequently used kanji, appearing in 日本 (Japan) and as a counter for long, cylindrical objects.
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