本物
honmono
The Japanese word for real is 本物 (honmono).
本物 is used to describe something that is genuine and not artificial, counterfeit or fake. While 本物 focuses on something being the genuine article, other terms exist for different nuances of reality: 真実 (shinjitsu) refers to objective truth and 実在 (jitsuzai) indicates the existence or actuality of something.
Meaning: genuine, not artificial, counterfeit or fake (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 本物 is composed of the kanji 本 (hon), meaning 'origin' or 'true' and 物 (mono), meaning 'thing'. Literally, it means 'the real thing'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
honmono
Did you know?
- If you call a person a 本物 (honmono), you are not just saying they are 'real', you are actually paying them a high compliment by calling them a 'master' or a 'true professional' in their field.
- The kanji 本 in 本物 also serves as a counter for long, cylindrical objects like pencils, bottles and umbrellas.
- While 本物 (honmono) describes a genuine object, the related term 本気 (honki) is used to describe 'real' or 'serious' intent, often used when someone is 'serious' about a task or feeling.
Examples in context
- それって本物？Is that real?This sentence is useful for asking if something is real using 本物.Tatoeba #8764338 by bunbuku, translation #2248492 by CK
- 本物はどっち？Which is the real one?This sentence is useful for asking which one is the real one using 本物.Tatoeba #11264687 by small_snow, translation #10303164 by ddnktr
- 本物の医師ですか？Are you a real doctor?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a real doctor using 本物.Tatoeba #8670889 by small_snow, translation #4016352 by CK
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are looking at a diamond in a jewelry shop.
- 蓮 Renこれは本物ですか？Kore wa honmono desu ka?Is this the real one?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、本物ですよ。Hai, honmono desu yo.Yes, it is genuine.
- 蓮 Renすごく綺麗ですね。Sugoku kirei desu ne.It's very beautiful.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さん、気に入りましたか？Ren-san, kiniirimashita ka?Ren, do you like it?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
