YukaBoth 読む and 読書 relate to reading — but one is a verb and one is a noun. Let’s learn the difference and how to use both!
| Word | Reading | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 読む | yomu | verb | to read |
| 読書 | dokusho | noun | reading (as an activity/hobby) |
読む: The Verb
読む (yomu) is the verb “to read.” Use it to describe the action of reading something specific:
- 本を読む。 — To read a book.
- 新聞を読みますか？ — Do you read newspapers?
- 彼女は毎晩本を読む。 — She reads a book every night.
- 説明書を読んでください。 — Please read the instructions.
読書: Reading as a Hobby/Activity
読書 (dokusho) is a noun referring to “reading” as a general activity or pastime — not reading a specific thing, but reading as a practice:
- 趣味は読書です。 — My hobby is reading.
- 読書が好きです。 — I like reading.
- 読書の時間 — reading time
- 読書週間 — Reading Week (a Japanese national campaign)
ReiCan I say 読書する like a verb?
YukaYes! 読書する works as a verb: 読書します — “I read (as a hobby).” But you wouldn’t say 新聞を読書する — use 読む for specific objects.
When to Use Which
| Situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Reading a specific book/article | 読む |
| Reading as a hobby/activity | 読書 |
| My hobby is reading | 趣味は読書です |
| I’m reading a manga | 漫画を読んでいる |
Quick Quiz
Which fits? “Do you enjoy reading?”
- a) 読むが好きですか？
- b) 読書は好きですか？
Answer: b) 読書は好きですか？ — asking about reading as a general activity.
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