Japanese Conversation · Level 64
75 words
Japanese word
本体
Pronunciation
Romajihontai
Meaning
- nounmain unit
Example
パソコンの本体を買い替えます。pa so ko n no hon tai o ka i ka e ma su
I will replace the main unit of the computer.
More examples
購入した掃除機は、本体が軽くて使いやすいです。kō nyū shi ta sō ji ki wa hon tai ga karu ku te tsuka i ya su i de su
The vacuum cleaner I bought is easy to use because the main unit is light.
Core concept
It points to the central substance that makes something what it is, rather than its outward appearance.
Common phrases
本体価格hon tai ka kaku
base price
本体のみhon tai no mi
main unit only
本体の重さhon tai no omo sa
weight of the main unit
Definition in Japanese
物事の中心となる実質や、表面に現れたもののもとにある本当の内容。mono goto no chū shin to na ru jis shitsu ya hyō men ni arawa re ta mo no no mo to ni a ru hon tō no nai yō
Word origin
本体 (hontai, "main body") combines 本 (hon, "main or original") and 体 (tai, "body or form"), expressing the central body or substance of something.
Usage tips
- In everyday conversations about electronics, 本体 (hontai) identifies the main device rather than its cable, case, or other accessories.
Other meanings
- true naturenoun
- substancenoun