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本
book · origin · main · this
N5On: ほんKun: もと
Memory Aid
The kanji 本 (book, origin) is derived from 木 (tree) with an extra horizontal stroke at the bottom. This stroke highlights the roots, indicating the 'origin' or 'base' of the tree. From the idea of the 'root' or 'source', it extended to mean 'book' (as a primary source of knowledge, or paper coming from wood) and 'main' or 'true'.
'Hon' — A HONEST book reveals its true ORIGINS, just like this kanji shows the root of a tree.
Vocabulary
本ほんbook
日本にほんJapan
日本語にほんごJapanese language
山本やまもとYamamoto (a common Japanese surname)
三本さんぼんthree long objects (counter)
Example Sentences
これは私の本です。
This is my book.
彼は日本から来ました。
He came from Japan.
鉛筆が三本あります。
There are three pencils.
山本さんは学生です。
Mr. Yamamoto is a student.