冊

• Reading: さつ
• Romaji: satsu
• Kanji breakdown: 冊 (satsu) — pictograph of bound bamboo strips; counter for books
• Pronunciation: /sa.tsɯ/

Meaning

Counter for bound volumes such as books, notebooks, and magazines.

Used specifically for bound printed materials: books (本), notebooks (ノート), magazines (雑誌), and dictionaries (辞書). Counting: 一冊 (いっさつ), 二冊 (にさつ), 三冊 (さんさつ). Note the sound change with 一 where it becomes いっさつ (gemination).

Examples

1. 図書館で本を五冊借りました。 I borrowed five books from the library.
2. ノートを一冊買ってください。 Please buy one notebook.
3. 毎月三冊ぐらい読みます。 I read about three books a month.

Usage Guide

Context: library, bookstore, school

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 冊 depicts a pictograph of bamboo strips bound together with cord, reflecting how ancient Chinese texts were written on connected bamboo slips.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal