Word
Kana: ほんぶ Romaji: hombu Level: N2

本部

Meaning in English

headquarters

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Word context

What it means

What does 本部 mean? It denotes the central headquarters or command center of an organization, serving as the location for leadership and strategic decision-making, and it contrasts with regional offices or branches.

Main meanings

  • Headquarters or central office of an organization, government body, or company.
  • Command center in military or police contexts, the base where planning and orders originate.
  • Metaphorically, the central hub or controlling core of a movement or project.

How to use it

Used in formal or institutional contexts to refer to the central office of an organization, such as government agencies, corporations, or military forces. Common in official documents, press releases, and organizational charts. Not typically used to refer to a local branch or shop; those are usually 本社 or 支部 depending on the context.

Variants and close terms

  • 司令部 (shireibu) — military command center
  • 本社 (honsha) — corporate head office
  • 中央本部 (chuo honbu) — central headquarters

Composition

  • 本 main, origin, basis
  • 部 part, section, department
  • Combined meaning: central or main department that directs operations and decisions

Word class

Noun (名詞)

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