本
BOOK ・ BASE
Mnemonic
This kanji takes tree (木) and adds a line at the bottom.
Think of that line as the BASE of the tree, its main foundation.
Now imagine a BOOK lying at that base. Books often form the base of our knowledge—
use that idea to help you remember both BASE and BOOK.
The “origin” kanji
The name of Japan, 日本, literally means “the sun’s origin,” with 本 marking the place where the sun begins.
You’ll also see it in 本人, “the person in question” — emphasizing the main or original person themselves.
In both cases, 本 points to what is central and essential.
Example Vocabulary
-
本木（もとき） – the base of a tree
Click to recall: 木 = -
本山（ほんざん） – head temple
Click to recall: 山 = -
日本（にほん） – Japan
Click to recall: 日 = -
本人（ほんにん） – the person in question
Click to recall: 人 =
Example Sentences
- ここは日本です。– Here is Japan.
- 本人にきいてください。– Please ask the person in question.