書物

• Reading: しょもつ
• Romaji: shomotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 書 (sho) — write, book; 物 (motsu) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /ɕo.mo.tsɯ/

Meaning

Books; written works. A somewhat formal term for books or literature.

A noun that refers to books in a slightly more literary or formal register than 本. Often used when discussing books as cultural or intellectual objects rather than everyday reading material. Commonly found in historical, academic, or literary contexts.

Examples

1. 図書館には古い書物がたくさんある。 The library has a lot of old books.
2. 彼はいつも書物に囲まれて生活している。 He always lives surrounded by books.
3. 貴重な書物が博物館に展示されている。 Rare books are on display at the museum.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, academia, history

Tone: refined

Origin & History

Composed of 書 (write, book) and 物 (thing, object). The combination frames books as written objects, emphasizing their physical and intellectual nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated