Translation guide
The English word "book" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meaning is a physical book (本), but it can also refer to a reservation (予約), an accounting ledger (帳簿), or a bound volume (巻). This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
A set of printed pages bound together, such as a novel, textbook, or notebook.
I bought a new book. · She is reading a book. · The book is on the table.
The most common and general word for a book. Used for novels, textbooks, picture books, etc.
この本はとても面白いです。
This book is very interesting.
本を読むのが好きです。
I like reading books.
A more formal term for books, often used in publishing or library contexts.
この図書館には多くの貴重な書籍が所蔵されている。
This library holds many valuable books.
A literary or somewhat old-fashioned term for books, emphasizing their content or cultural value.
彼は古い書物を収集している。
He collects old books.
An arrangement to have something held for future use, such as a hotel room, ticket, or table.
I need to book a flight. · Did you book a table? · The booking was confirmed.
The standard word for reservation or booking. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (予約する).
ホテルの予約を確認したいのですが。
I'd like to confirm my hotel booking.
レストランを予約しました。
I booked a restaurant.
A common casual phrase meaning "to get tickets" (implies booking/purchasing).
コンサートのチケットを取ったよ。
I booked concert tickets.
A record of financial transactions, often used in business or accounting.
The accountant balanced the books. · We need to audit the books.
Refers to an account book or ledger. Often used in business contexts.
帳簿をつけるのは面倒だ。
Keeping the books is a hassle.
Specifically an accounting book or financial ledger.
One part of a larger work, especially in a series or encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia has 20 volumes. · I own the first volume.
Used as a counter or noun for volumes of a series. Often follows a number.
このシリーズは全10巻です。
This series is 10 volumes in total.
第3巻を読んでいます。
I'm reading volume 3.
A general counter for books, but can imply a volume when context is clear. Less specific than 巻.
この百科事典は30冊からなる。
This encyclopedia consists of 30 volumes.
While 本 means "book" in the physical sense, it cannot be used for "booking" a hotel or ticket. Use 予約 instead.
本 is the everyday word for book. 書籍 is formal and often used in publishing or library contexts. 書物 is literary and somewhat old-fashioned, emphasizing the content or cultural value.
本を読みました。
I read a book.
ホテルを予約しました。
I booked a hotel.
会計簿を確認してください。
Please check the account books.