本物
honmono
The English phrase "genuine" is translated into Japanese as 本物 (honmono).
本物 is used to describe something that is real or authentic. It is frequently used to distinguish authentic goods from imitations or counterfeits.
Meaning: real, authentic (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 本物 is composed of 本 (hon), meaning 'original' or 'main' and 物 (mono), meaning 'thing', literally translating to 'real thing'.
Which one should you use?
While 本物 refers to a genuine or real object, it is distinct from terms like shinjitsu (truth) or hontou (reality/truth), which refer to abstract facts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the informal term ほんま is used to mean genuine or really.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 本物 as an attributive adjective to modify a noun, you must add the particle の, forming 本物の.
How do you pronounce it?
honmono
Did you know?
- In a high-end restaurant, if you are checking if a sushi topping is 'genuine' tuna, using 本物 might sound slightly blunt or even suspicious compared to more polite alternatives.
- Japanese has a specific concept called 本物志向 (honmono-shikou), which describes a personality trait or consumer preference for only the most authentic and high-quality goods.
- When used to describe a person, 本物 refers to someone who is a 'true professional' or possesses genuine mastery in their craft, rather than just someone who is not a fake.
Examples in context
- そのダイヤモンドは本物ではない。That diamond is not genuine.Tatoeba #8576178 by small_snow, translation #10234282 by terrywallwork
- これは本物のダイヤではないかもしれない。This might not be a genuine diamond.Tatoeba #218082 by bunbuku, translation #788247 by hrin
- あのサッカーボールは本物の革でできている。That football is made of genuine leather.Tatoeba #231325 by small_snow, translation #68691 by adjusting
- 彼は真摯な人です。He is a genuine person.
- 彼の笑顔は本物です。His smile is genuine.
- 彼女の純粋な思いやりに感動しました。I was touched by her genuine compassion.
- マジで驚いたよ。I was genuinely surprised.
- マジで嬉しいんだよ。I'm genuinely happy, you know.
- ホンマに美味しかったわ。It was genuinely delicious.
Example conversation
Looking at a vintage watch in a shop.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの時計は本物だと思いますか？Kono tokei wa honmono da to omoimasu ka?Do you think this watch is genuine?
- 陽葵 Himariええ、間違いなく本物ですよ。Ee, machigainaku honmono desu yo.Yes, it is definitely authentic.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれはいいですね。買いましょう。Sore wa ii desu ne. Kaimashou.That's great. Let's buy it.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さん、いい買い物になりますよ。Hiroto-san, ii kaimono ni narimasu yo.Hiroto, it will be a great purchase.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
