本命
ほんめい · honmei
Favorite (to win), favourite, likely winner
- one's heart's desire, first choice
Other ways to say “favorite” in Japanese →
flat · what is pitch accent?
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.
Often confused with 本音 (hon'ne, true feelings); 本命 means first choice or favorite, while 本音 means one's real opinion.
Example sentences
私の本命はあの店のケーキだ。
My favorite is that shop's cake.
Nihoner
彼女に本命チョコをあげた。
I gave her honmei chocolate (for a romantic interest).
Nihoner
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Press the microphone and say 本命 (ほんめい)
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Questions
What does 本命 mean?
Favorite (to win), favourite, likely winner. It can also mean: one's heart's desire, first choice.
How do you pronounce 本命?
ほんめい (honmei). Pitch accent: heiban — flat. Press Listen above to hear it.
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