Dictionary
English - Japanese

Paperback

ˈpeɪpərˌbæk
Very common
~ 2000
~ 2000
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

ペーパーバック, 薄い本, 軽装本

Paperback meanings in Japanese

ペーパーバック

Example:
I bought a paperback version of the novel.
その小説のペーパーバック版を買いました。
He prefers reading paperbacks over hardcovers.
彼はハードカバーよりペーパーバックを読むのが好きです。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in discussions about books and reading preferences.
Note: ペーパーバックは通常、価格が手頃で軽量なため、持ち運びに便利です。

薄い本

Example:
The bookstore has a section for thin paperbacks.
その書店には薄いペーパーバックのセクションがあります。
I enjoy reading thin paperbacks during my commute.
通勤中に薄いペーパーバックを読むのが楽しいです。
Usage: informalContext: Often used in casual conversations about book types.
Note: 薄い本は特に短編小説やエッセイ集に使われることがあります。

軽装本

Example:
Lightweight books are great for travel.
軽装本は旅行に最適です。
I always carry a lightweight book in my bag.
私はいつもバッグに軽装本を入れています。
Usage: informalContext: Used when discussing the practicality of books for travel.
Note: 軽装本は特に旅行や外出時に便利です。

Paperback's synonyms

softcover

Softcover refers to a book with a flexible cover made of paper or card.
Example: I prefer buying softcover books because they are easier to carry around.
Note: Softcover is often used interchangeably with paperback, but it may imply a slightly thicker or more durable cover material.

trade paperback

Trade paperback is a larger format paperback book typically sold in bookstores.
Example: The bookstore had a sale on trade paperback editions of popular novels.
Note: Trade paperbacks are usually larger in size compared to standard paperbacks and may have higher quality paper and binding.

mass-market paperback

Mass-market paperback refers to a small, inexpensive paperback book widely available in bookstores and supermarkets.
Example: The mass-market paperback edition of the novel was more affordable than the hardcover version.
Note: Mass-market paperbacks are smaller in size and printed on lower quality paper compared to trade paperbacks.

Paperback expressions, common phrases

Turn the page

To move forward or make a fresh start, often used metaphorically.
Example: I'm excited to turn the page and start a new chapter in my life.
Note: The phrase 'turn the page' is metaphorical and does not refer to physically flipping a page in a book.

Read between the lines

To understand the hidden or implied meaning rather than what is explicitly stated.
Example: She didn't say it directly, but if you read between the lines, you'll understand what she meant.
Note: The phrase 'read between the lines' is figurative and does not involve actual reading from a book.

Open book

Someone or something that is easy to understand or figure out.
Example: I can always tell what she's thinking; she's like an open book.
Note: The phrase 'open book' refers to transparency or predictability, unlike the physical object paperback.

Back to the drawing board

To start over or go back to the beginning due to a failure or setback.
Example: Our initial plan didn't work, so it's back to the drawing board for a new strategy.
Note: The phrase 'back to the drawing board' implies restarting the design or planning process, not related to actual paper or books.

By the book

To do something exactly as prescribed or according to the rules.
Example: He always follows the rules by the book; he never takes shortcuts.
Note: The phrase 'by the book' emphasizes strict adherence to rules or procedures, unlike the physical object paperback.

Put pen to paper

To begin writing or start a creative endeavor.
Example: It's time to put pen to paper and start writing that novel you've been planning.
Note: The phrase 'put pen to paper' involves the act of writing, not specifically related to the format of a paperback book.

Throw the book at someone

To impose the maximum possible punishment or penalties on someone.
Example: The judge is likely to throw the book at the defendant for such a serious crime.
Note: The phrase 'throw the book at someone' refers to strict punishment, not related to the physical object paperback.

Paperback everyday (slang) expressions

Page-turner

A very engaging or exciting book that makes the reader want to keep turning the pages.
Example: I couldn't put down that thriller- it was a real page-turner!
Note: The term focuses on the book's ability to captivate the reader rather than its physical form.

Pulp fiction

Refers to inexpensive fiction magazines or books, typically featuring lurid subject matter.
Example: She enjoys reading pulp fiction novels from the mid-20th century.
Note: Focuses on the genre and style of the book, often implying a certain level of sensational or sensationalized content.

Penny dreadful

Originally referred to cheap, sensational, serialized fiction in 19th-century Britain.
Example: This classic novel was once considered a penny dreadful, now it's a literary masterpiece.
Note: Carries a historical connotation of low-cost, serialized publications with thrilling stories, differentiating it from a traditional paperback.

Ripped from the pages

Describes a faithful and vivid adaptation of a book into another medium, like a movie or TV show.
Example: The movie adaptation feels like it was ripped from the pages of the book.
Note: Emphasizes the fidelity and vivid portrayal of the source material, suggesting a close connection to the original book.

Beach read

Refers to a light, easy-to-read book perfect for leisurely reading, especially at the beach.
Example: I just want a good beach read for my vacation, nothing too heavy.
Note: Focuses on the setting or environment where the book is typically read, implying a relaxed reading experience.

Dog-eared

Describes a book with its corners turned down to mark pages, often indicating well-loved or frequently read books.
Example: He handed me a dog-eared paperback with his favorite passages marked.
Note: Refers to the physical condition of the book, suggesting that it has been handled and read multiple times rather than just being a paperback.

Paperback - Examples

The bookstore only had the paperback version of the novel.
I prefer to buy paperback books because they are more affordable.
The publisher decided to release the paperback edition of the cookbook next month.

Paperback grammar

Paperback - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: paperback
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): paperback
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): paperbacks
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): paperback
Syllables, Separation and Stress
paperback Contains 3 syllables: pa • per • back
Phonetic transcription: ˈpā-pər-ˌbak
pa per back , ˈpā pər ˌbak (The red syllable is stressed)

Paperback - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
paperback: ~ 2000 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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