Japanese word

書物

Pronunciation

Romajishomotsu

Meaning

  • nounbook

Example

その書物には昔の生活が書かれています。so no sho motsu ni wa mukashi no sei katsu ga ka ka re te i ma su

That book describes life in the past.

Illustration for 書物 (book)

More examples

図書館で書物を調べています。to sho kan de sho motsu o shira be te i ma su

I am examining a book at the library.

Core concept

Refers to a book as a substantial written work that preserves knowledge, ideas, or stories in a lasting form.

Common phrases

  • 書物を読むsho motsu o yo mu

    read a book

  • 書物を収集するsho motsu o shū shū su ru

    collect books

Similar words

本hon: A book in the ordinary, broad sense, including works for reading, study, or reference.
書籍shoseki: A published book treated as a formal reading or reference work.

Definition in Japanese

知識や思想、物語などを書き記した本。chi shiki ya shi sō monogatari na do o ka ki shiru shi ta hon

Word origin

書物 (shomotsu) combines 書 (sho, "writing") and 物 (motsu, "thing"), giving the sense of a thing made through writing.

Usage tips

  • 書物 (shomotsu) is more formal than 本 (hon), so 本 is usually more natural in everyday conversation even when both mean a book.

Other meanings

  • volumenoun

Word lists with this word