Translation guide
Describes a person who loves reading and spends a lot of time doing it. Japanese has several colorful expressions, ranging from neutral to humorous.
To describe someone as an avid reader in a straightforward way.
A neutral, standard term for a person who reads a lot. Literally 'reading person/expert'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼女は大変な読書家で、週に3冊は本を読む。
She's a real bookworm; she reads about three books a week.
Literally 'book insect', this is the closest direct equivalent to 'bookworm'. It's common and slightly more colorful than 読書家, but still widely used.
うちの息子は本の虫で、休みの日は一日中読書している。
My son is a bookworm; he reads all day on his days off.
Literally 'print addiction'. A stronger, more humorous term implying an addiction to reading. Often used self-deprecatingly.
私は活字中毒で、何か読むものがないと落ち着かない。
I'm a print addict; I can't relax if I don't have something to read.
To affectionately tease or describe someone who always has their nose in a book.
As above, but often used with a warm, teasing tone. Very common in casual conversation.
また本読んでるの？本当に本の虫だね。
Reading again? You're such a bookworm.
Adding さん makes it sound cuter and more personified, like 'Mr./Ms. Bookworm'. Used playfully.
本の虫さん、ご飯の時間だよ。
Hey bookworm, it's time for dinner.
To emphasize an almost compulsive reading habit, often used about oneself.
As above, but here the focus is on the 'addiction' aspect. Often used in self-introductions or profiles.
趣味は読書です。というか、活字中毒です。
My hobby is reading. Or rather, I'm a print addict.
Literally 'I can't live without books'. A dramatic but common way to express being a bookworm.
私は本がないと生きていけないタイプです。
I'm the type who can't live without books.
To express love for books without the 'worm' imagery.
Literally 'book lover'. A more elegant and positive term, often used in literary contexts.
彼は有名な愛書家で、貴重な初版本を多数所蔵している。
He is a well-known bibliophile, owning many rare first editions.
A simple compound meaning 'reading-lover'. Very common and neutral, can be used in casual conversation.
私は小さい頃から読書好きで、図書館に入り浸っていました。
I've been a book lover since I was little, and I used to spend all my time in the library.
本の虫 is the most direct translation and is widely used in casual contexts. 読書家 is more neutral and can be used in formal situations. 活字中毒 is humorous and implies an addiction; use it carefully as it might sound negative if not among friends.
If you want to say you love reading without labeling yourself a 'worm', 読書好き is a safe, positive choice. It simply means 'someone who likes reading'.