Nihoner
本命
honmei
favorite (to win), favourite, likely winner
All Senses
  1. honmei favorite (to win), favourite, likely winner; one's heart's desire, first choice
How it's used

Everyday word for one's top pick in romance, competitions, or purchases; also the chocolate a woman gives to a romantic interest on Valentine's Day.

私の本命はあの店のケーキだ。
Watashi no honmei wa ano mise no kēki da.
My favorite is that shop's cake.

彼女に本命チョコをあげた。
Kanojo ni honmei choko o ageta.
I gave her honmei chocolate (for a romantic interest).

⚖️ Often confused with 本音 (hon'ne, true feelings); 本命 means first choice or favorite, while 本音 means one's real opinion.

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Kanji Breakdown
本
Book, Present, Main, Origin, True, Real, Counter For Long Cylindrical Things
On: ほん Kun: もと
5 strokes N5
命
Fate, Command, Decree, Destiny, Life, Appoint
On: めい,みょう Kun: いのち
8 strokes N3
How to Use This Word
Noun (名詞)
Pattern
本命は〜です。 / 〜の本命

💡 Use は or が to mark this word as the topic or subject of a sentence.

Example
この本命はとても大切です。
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Lv 1
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🟡 Medium

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