本を読む
hon o yomu
To read a book in Japanese is 本を読む (hon o yomu).
The phrase 本を読む is used to describe the act of looking at and understanding the words within a book.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hon (book), o (the object marker particle) and yomu (to read).
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of the dictionary form is 本を読んだ (hon o yonda). If you want to express the desire to read a book, use the stem of the verb plus tai to get 本を読みたい (hon o yomitai).
How do you pronounce it?
hon o yomu
Did you know?
- While 読む (yomu) means 'to read', it is also used in the phrase 空気を読む (kuuki o yomu), which literally means 'reading the air' but actually refers to sensing the social mood and acting accordingly.
- The word 本 is also used as a counter for long, cylindrical objects like pens or umbrellas, meaning the same character for 'book' is used to count a pencil.
- The word 本 (hon) shares its origin with the word for 'root' or 'origin'. This reflects the historical idea of a book as the primary source of information.
Examples in context
- あなたが寝ている間に、私は本を読む。I'll read a book while you're sleeping.This example shows a sentence using 本を読む to describe an action occurring while someone else sleeps.Tatoeba #139829 by fcbond, translation #139827 by fcbond
- 月の光で本を読むのはたぶん無理でしょう。I don't suppose it's possible to read a book by moonlight.This example uses 本を読む to discuss the possibility of reading by moonlight.Tatoeba #505467 by blay_paul, translation #505468 by blay_paul
- 日本の文学を楽しむために、本を読んでいます。I am reading books to enjoy Japanese literature.
- 大学で読書する時間を作りましょう。Let's make time to read at the university.
- 最近、面白い本を読んでるよ。Lately, I've been reading an interesting book.
- 友達が勧めた本を読んでみて。Try reading the book recommended by your friend.
- カフェで本を読むのが好きです。Kafe de hon o yomu no ga suki desu.I like reading a book at a cafe.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a park.
- 健太 Kenta週末はいつも何をしていますか？Shuumatsu wa itsumo nani o shite imasu ka?What do you usually do on weekends?
- 美咲 Misaki公園でゆっくり本を読むことが多いです。Kouen de yukkuri hon o yomu koto ga ooi desu.I often read a book slowly in the park.
- 健太 Kentaそれは素敵な趣味ですね。Sore wa suteki na shumi desu ne.That is a lovely hobby.
- 美咲 Misakiはい、とてもリラックスできます。Hai, totemo rirakkusu dekimasu.Yes, it is very relaxing.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
