Japanese word

本場

Pronunciation

Romajihonba

Meaning

  • nounhome

Example

ここはラーメンの本場です。ko ko wa rā me n no hon ba de su

This is the home of ramen.

Illustration for 本場 (home)

More examples

本場を訪れると、料理の奥深さがよく分かります。hon ba o otozu re ru to ryō ri no oku buka sa ga yo ku wa ka ri ma su

When you visit the place of origin, you can really appreciate the depth of the cuisine.

Core concept

本場 (honba) points to the recognized home or leading center of a tradition, product, or activity.

Common phrases

  • 本場の味hon ba no aji

    authentic local flavor

  • 本場の料理hon ba no ryō ri

    authentic local cuisine

  • 本場で食べるhon ba de ta be ru

    eat at the source

Similar words

発祥地hasshōchi: The place where a tradition, product, or activity first began.
名産地meisanchi: A place or region widely known for producing a particular product.
産地sanchi: A place or region where a particular product is produced.

Definition in Japanese

ある物事の発祥地や、そこで本格的に行われる場所。a ru mono goto no has shō chi ya so ko de hon kaku teki ni okona wa re ru ba sho

Word origin

本 (hon, "main or original") and 場 (ba, "place") combine in 本場 (honba) to describe the place regarded as the true source or center of something.

Usage tips

  • "The home of" is a natural English pattern for introducing a place famous for a particular tradition, while "birthplace" focuses more narrowly on where it began.

Other meanings

  • centernoun

Word lists with this word