読書（どくしょ、dokusho）
- reading

The Japanese word 読書 (どくしょ - *dokushyo*) means "reading" or "the act of reading." It refers to the activity of engaging with written material, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and other texts, for the purpose of understanding and gaining information or enjoyment. It is a general term encompassing various forms of reading, from casual browsing to in-depth study. The word highlights the act of reading itself, rather than the specific content being read.

⚫︎ 読書が好きです。 Translation: I like reading. ⚫︎ 毎日、寝る前に読書をします。 Translation: I read before going to bed every day. ⚫︎ 彼女は読書に時間を費やした。 Translation: She spent time on reading.

⚫︎ 読書 is a common and versatile noun. It can be used in various contexts to describe the act of reading. ⚫︎ It is appropriate in both formal and informal conversations. ⚫︎ It is often used with verbs like する (*suru* - to do), が好き (*ga suki* - to like), or を楽しむ (*o tanoshimu* - to enjoy).

⚫︎ The word is typically written in kanji as 読書. ⚫︎ The hiragana reading is どくしょ. ⚫︎ The kanji 読 (よ - *yo*, or よ-む - *yo-mu*) means "to read," and the kanji 書 (しょ - *shyo*) means "book" or "writing." The combination of these two kanji clearly illustrates the meaning of the word. ⚫︎ Okurigana is not typically used for 読書.

⚫︎ There aren't direct, single-word synonyms that perfectly capture the nuance of 読書 as a general activity. However, related concepts include: ⚫︎ 読了 (*dokuryō*): "Completion of reading." ⚫︎ 読本 (*tokuhon*): "Reader," or "reading material." ⚫︎ 書籍を読む (*shoseki o yomu*): "To read books" (more specific).

⚫︎ While there is no direct antonym, activities that are opposite to reading could be considered: ⚫︎ 書く (*kaku*): "To write." ⚫︎ 聞く (*kiku*): "To listen." ⚫︎ 見る (*miru*): "To watch." (depending on context)

夏休みは、たくさん読書をしようと思っています。 ・Translation: I am thinking of doing a lot of reading during the summer vacation. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 読書 to express the intention of engaging in the activity of reading during a specific time period.

彼女はいつも図書館で読書をしています。 ・Translation: She is always reading at the library. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 読書 to describe a habitual activity, placing it in a specific location (the library).

The word 読書 is a compound word formed from the kanji 読 (to read) and 書 (books/writing). The combination of these two characters explicitly indicates the act of reading written materials, thus the meaning. The etymology is straightforward, reflecting the core meaning of the activity.