原本

• Reading: げんぽん
• Romaji: genpon
• Kanji breakdown: 原 (gen) — original, source; 本 (pon/hon) — book, origin, base
• Pronunciation: /ɡeɴ.poɴ/

Meaning

Original document; original copy; the authentic source text or manuscript.

A noun referring to the original version of a document, manuscript, or text — as opposed to a copy (コピー/写し) or translation. Important in legal, academic, and administrative contexts where authenticity matters. Common phrases: 原本を提出する (to submit the original), 原本証明 (certification of authenticity). Distinct from 原稿 (manuscript/draft).

Examples

1. 契約書の原本は金庫に保管されている。 The original contract is kept in the safe.
2. コピーではなく原本を持ってきてください。 Please bring the original document, not a copy.
3. この古い原本は博物館に寄贈された。 This old original document was donated to the museum.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, administration, academia

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 原 (original, source, plain) + 本 (book, origin, base). Together they mean the original or source document.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal