著書

• Reading: ちょしょ
• Romaji: chosho
• Kanji breakdown: 著 (cho) — author, write, notable; 書 (sho) — write, book, document
• Pronunciation: /t͡ɕo.ɕo/

Meaning

Written work; book; writings. A book that someone has authored.

A noun referring to a book or written work attributed to a specific author. More formal than 本 (hon, book) — 著書 emphasises the authorial connection. Common collocations include 著書を出版する (to publish a written work), 著書が多い (to have written many books), and 新しい著書 (a new book by an author). Often used in academic and literary contexts when discussing an author's body of work.

Examples

1. その教授は経済学に関する著書が数多くある。 That professor has written many books on economics.
2. 彼女の最新の著書がベストセラーになった。 Her latest book became a bestseller.
3. 著書の中で著者は教育改革の必要性を訴えている。 In the book, the author advocates for the need for education reform.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, literature, publishing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 著 (cho, author/write/notable) + 書 (sho, write/book/document). Literally 'authored writing' — a work identified with its writer.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated