著書

ちょしょ

literary work, book

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 著書

The word 著書 (ちょしょ) specifically refers to a book or literary work authored by someone, often used in formal or academic contexts. It highlights the fact that the work is a published piece, typically non-fiction or scholarly.

Usage and Nuance

When using 著書, speakers imply a sense of authorship and formality. It is not used for casual reading materials like magazines or novels unless emphasizing the author's official work. This word often appears in discussions about writers, researchers, or experts presenting their published works.

Common Collocations

  • 著書を出版する (ちょしょをしゅっぱんする): to publish a book — used when talking about the act of releasing an authored work.
  • 最新の著書 (さいしんのちょしょ): latest book — referring to the most recent publication by an author.
  • 教育に関する著書 (きょういくにかんするちょしょ): book related to education — specifying the subject matter of the work.

Register and Formality

著書 is a formal term, often found in academic, literary, or professional settings. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing an author's works respectfully.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 著書 with 書籍 (しょせき), which means 'books' in general. 著書 emphasizes authorship and original work, while 書籍 is a broader term for any book or publication.

Example Sentences

かれのさいしんのちょしょはこくさいせいじについてくわしくかかれている。

His latest book is written in detail about international politics.

ちょしょをしゅっぱんするために、おおくのじかんをついやした。

I spent a lot of time to publish my book.

かのじょはきょういくにかんするちょしょでゆうめいだ。

She is famous for her books on education.