This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

本の

Reading

Kana: ほんの
Romaji: honno
Kana
Romaji

Definition

1

mere; only; just; not even (with negative verb)

Note: word usually written using kana alone

Kanji

Readings: ホン、 もと
Meanings: book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

Example Sentences

(きみ)(ほん)(むし)だね。
➥You're a bookworm.
Full Entry➤
(かれ)はほんの子供(こども)だ。
➥He is a mere child.
Full Entry➤
ほんの15(ふん)ですね。
➥Only fifteen minutes.
Full Entry➤
ほんの冗談(じょうだん)だよ。
➥I am only joking.
Full Entry➤
ほんの(すこ)しください。
➥Give me just a little.
Full Entry➤
彼女(かのじょ)はほんの子供(こども)です。
➥She is a mere child.
Full Entry➤
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