Japanese word

本棚

Pronunciation

Romajihondana

Meaning

  • nounbookcase

Example

部屋に本棚があります。heya ni hon dana ga a ri ma su

There is a bookcase in the room.

Illustration for 本棚 (bookcase)

More examples

本棚から辞書を取り出します。hon dana ka ra ji sho o to ri da shi ma su

I take a dictionary out of the bookcase.

Core concept

Refers to a shelf unit designed to hold books in an orderly way.

Common phrases

  • 本棚の本hon dana no hon

    books in a bookcase

  • 本棚の横hon dana no yoko

    beside a bookcase

  • 本棚の上hon dana no ue

    on top of a bookcase

Definition in Japanese

本を並べて置くための棚。hon o nara be te o ku ta me no tana

Word origin

本棚 (hondana) combines 本 (hon, "book") with 棚 (tana, "shelf"); the initial sound of tana changes to dana in this compound.

Usage tips

  • A 本棚 (hondana) may be a wall-mounted shelf or a freestanding bookcase, and the context shows which kind is meant.

Word lists with this word