When we talk about someone who reads or a person who loves to read, the Japanese word is 読者 (dokusha). This word is a compound of 読 (doku), meaning "to read," and 者 (sha), meaning "person." You'll often see this word used in contexts like a newspaper readership or the audience of a book.
For example, you might hear 「この雑誌の読者は若い女性が多い」 (Kono zasshi no dokusha wa wakai josei ga ooi), meaning "Many of this magazine's readers are young women." Or, if you're talking about someone who really enjoys reading, you could say 「彼は熱心な読者だ」 (Kare wa nesshin na dokusha da), which means "He is an avid reader." It’s a straightforward and useful word to know when discussing reading habits or audiences in Japanese.
Alright, let's talk about the word 読者 (dokusha). You've learned it means 'reader.' Now, let's see how it actually gets used in real-world Japanese. This isn't just about textbooks; this is about understanding how to use it naturally, whether you're at work, school, or just keeping up with the news.
§ 読者 in the workplace
In a professional setting, especially if you're involved in publishing, marketing, or any field that produces written content, you'll hear 読者 a lot. Companies are always thinking about their audience, and that's exactly what 読者 refers to. Think about who is going to read a report, an article, or a marketing email. Those are your 読者.
- DEFINITION
- Reader; a person who reads or is fond of reading.
このレポートの読者は、主に経営者です。
Hint: The readers of this report are mainly managers.
私たちのウェブサイトは、より多くの読者を獲得したいと考えています。
Hint: Our website wants to attract more readers.
§ 読者 in educational settings
At school, especially in literature or language classes, you'll find 読者 being used to discuss the perspective of the person reading a text. Teachers might ask students to consider the author's intention for their 読者, or how different 読者 might interpret a story. It's all about analyzing the reading experience.
この小説は、若い読者を対象としています。
Hint: This novel is aimed at young readers.
作者は読者に何を伝えたかったのでしょうか？
Hint: What did the author want to convey to the readers?
§ 読者 in the news and media
When you're reading the news or listening to a discussion about media, 読者 is a common term. Newspapers, magazines, and online articles all have their own 読者. You'll hear phrases like 「読者の皆様」 (dokusha no minasama - dear readers) in formal addresses, or discussions about reader surveys and feedback.
- News headlines: Often refer to 'readers' opinions' (読者の意見 - dokusha no iken).
- Editorials: Might address 'our readers' directly.
- Surveys: 「読者アンケート」 (dokusha ankeeto - reader survey) is common.
多くの新聞が読者の減少に直面しています。
Hint: Many newspapers are facing a decrease in readers.
読者からのフィードバックを募集しています。
Hint: We are soliciting feedback from readers.
So, there you have it. 読者 isn't just a word you learn; it's a concept that's deeply embedded in how Japanese people discuss communication and content. Keep an ear out for it in these contexts, and you'll quickly get a feel for its practical usage.
Le savais-tu ?
The character for 'reader' (読者) is a combination of 'read' (読) and 'person' (者). This direct composition makes the meaning quite transparent for learners who know the individual components.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'ku' with too much emphasis, it's often a bit muted.
Grammaire à connaître
Particles like の (no) are used to connect nouns, indicating possession or description. For example, 読者の意見 (dokusha no iken) means 'reader's opinion.'
新しい小説は多くの読者を引きつけました。 (Atarashii shousetsu wa ooku no dokusha o hikitsukemashita.) The new novel attracted many readers.
When 読者 is the subject of a sentence, it is often followed by the particle が (ga) or は (wa). が emphasizes the subject, while は indicates a general topic.
その記事を読んだ読者がたくさんいました。 (Sono kiji o yonda dokusha ga takusan imashita.) There were many readers who read that article.
To express 'for readers' or 'to readers,' you can use the particle に (ni) or のために (no tame ni).
この本は読者のために書かれました。 (Kono hon wa dokusha no tame ni kakaremashita.) This book was written for readers.
To describe the type of reader, you can combine 読者 with other nouns using の (no). For instance, 熱心な読者 (nesshin na dokusha) means 'eager reader.'
彼は熱心な読者です。 (Kare wa nesshin na dokusha desu.) He is an eager reader.
When 読者 is the object of a verb, it is typically followed by the particle を (o).
編集者は読者のフィードバックを求めました。 (Henshuusha wa dokusha no fiidobakku o motomemashita.) The editor sought feedback from readers.
Exemples par niveau
この本にはたくさんの読者がいます。
This book has many readers.
〜には〜がいます: indicates existence of something in a place.
私は読書が好きなので、読者です。
I like reading, so I am a reader.
〜なので: because; since (a reason).
新聞の読者は毎日増えています。
Newspaper readers are increasing every day.
〜は〜ています: indicates an ongoing state or change.
彼女は熱心な読者です。
She is an enthusiastic reader.
な-adjective + 名詞: modifies a noun.
この雑誌の読者は若い人が多いです。
Many readers of this magazine are young people.
〜は〜が多いです: there are many ~ (of something).
著者は読者の意見を聞きたいです。
The author wants to hear readers' opinions.
〜たいです: want to do something.
彼のブログにはたくさんの読者がいます。
His blog has many readers.
〜には〜がいます: indicates existence of something in a place.
良い本は読者の心を豊かにします。
Good books enrich the hearts of readers.
〜を豊かにします: make ~ rich/abundant.
この本は多くの読者に愛されています。
This book is loved by many readers.
〜に愛されています (ni aisarete imasu) - 'is loved by' (passive voice)
彼は熱心な読者で、毎日図書館に通っています。
He is an avid reader and goes to the library every day.
熱心な読者 (nesshin na dokusha) - 'avid reader'; 〜に通っています (ni kayotte imasu) - 'commutes to'
作家は読者の反応を気にします。
Authors care about their readers' reactions.
読者の反応 (dokusha no hannou) - 'readers' reactions'; 〜を気にします (o ki ni shimasu) - 'to care about'
この雑誌は若い読者をターゲットにしています。
This magazine targets young readers.
〜をターゲットにしています (o taagetto ni shite imasu) - 'is targeting'
読者の皆様からのご意見をお待ちしております。
We await feedback from all our readers.
読者の皆様 (dokusha no minasama) - 'all readers' (polite); 〜をお待ちしております (o omachi shite orimasu) - 'we are waiting for' (humble)
その小説は幅広い読者層に支持されています。
That novel is supported by a wide range of readers.
幅広い読者層 (haba hiroi dokushasou) - 'wide range of readers'; 〜に支持されています (ni shiji sarete imasu) - 'is supported by' (passive voice)
彼は自分の書いた記事が読者にどう受け止められるか心配していました。
He was worried about how his article would be received by readers.
どう受け止められるか (dou uketomerareru ka) - 'how it would be received'; 〜か心配していました (ka shinpai shite imashita) - 'was worried if/about'
読者の声に基づいて、内容を改善しました。
Based on reader feedback, we improved the content.
読者の声 (dokusha no koe) - 'readers' voices/feedback'; 〜に基づいて (ni motozuite) - 'based on'
その小説は幅広い読者層に支持されています。
This novel is supported by a wide range of readers.
～層 (sou): layer, stratum; often used to describe a demographic group.
彼は熱心な読者で、毎週新しい本を読みます。
He is an avid reader and reads a new book every week.
熱心な (nesshin na): enthusiastic, ardent.
この雑誌の主な読者は若い女性です。
The main readers of this magazine are young women.
主な (omona): main, principal.
著者は読者のフィードバックを真剣に受け止めています。
The author takes reader feedback seriously.
～を真剣に受け止める (wo shinken ni uketomeru): to take seriously.
彼のブログは多くの読者を集めています。
His blog attracts many readers.
～を集める (wo atsumeru): to gather, to collect; here, to attract.
読者の質問に答えるために、Q&Aセッションが開催されました。
A Q&A session was held to answer readers' questions.
～が開催される (ga kaisai sareru): to be held (event).
この本は読者に深い感動を与えました。
This book gave readers deep emotion/impression.
～に感動を与える (ni kandou wo ataeru): to impress, to move deeply.
読者の皆様、いつも応援ありがとうございます。
To all readers, thank you for your continued support.
皆様 (minasan): everyone (polite).
Souvent confondu avec
This means 'reading' as an action or hobby, not 'a reader' (the person).
This refers to 'reading comprehension' or 'understanding what is read,' not 'a reader.'
This means 'finished reading' or 'completion of reading,' not 'a reader.'
Facile à confondre
Both 読者 and 読み手 can refer to 'reader.' However, 読み手 often implies the act of reading a specific text, or the role of a reader in a more active sense, especially in the context of writing or communication.
読者 is a broader term for 'a reader' as a general category or a member of an audience. 読み手 is more about the person who is actively engaging with the text at hand.
この小説の読み手は、登場人物の感情に共感しやすいでしょう。 (Readers of this novel will likely sympathize with the characters' emotions.)
読書家 also relates to reading, but it specifically means 'a book lover' or 'an avid reader.'
読者 is simply 'a reader,' while 読書家 emphasizes a person's enthusiasm and dedication to reading as a hobby.
彼女はかなりの読書家で、毎週図書館に通っています。 (She is quite a book lover and goes to the library every week.)
This word also means 'reader,' but specifically in the context of subscriptions.
購読者 means 'subscriber,' like someone who subscribes to a magazine, newspaper, or online content. 読者 is a general term.
この雑誌の購読者数は年々増えています。 (The number of subscribers to this magazine is increasing year by year.)
This is a general term for 'a person who sees/looks.' While reading involves seeing, it's not specific to reading.
見る人 is a very broad term for anyone observing something. 読者 specifically refers to someone who reads written material.
あの絵を見る人は皆、感動するでしょう。 (Everyone who sees that painting will be moved.)
This word refers to 'a listener,' which is the auditory counterpart to a reader.
聞き手 is about listening to spoken information, whereas 読者 is about reading written information.
彼の話は聞き手を飽きさせません。 (His stories never bore the listener.)
Origine du mot
From Middle Chinese 'dok' (to read) and 'sha' (person).
Sens originel : A person who reads.
Sino-JapaneseContexte culturel
<p>In Japanese culture, reading is highly valued, and there are many dedicated readers. There's a strong emphasis on education and self-improvement through books and other written materials. The term 読者 is commonly used to refer to the audience of books, magazines, and online content, highlighting the active role of the individual in consuming information and entertainment.</p>
Teste-toi 42 questions
Choose the correct hiragana for 'read'.
よむ (yomu) means 'to read'. かく (kaku) means 'to write'. はなす (hanasu) means 'to speak'. きく (kiku) means 'to listen'.
Which of these is a book?
ほん (hon) means 'book'. えいが (eiga) means 'movie'. おんがく (ongaku) means 'music'. たべもの (tabemono) means 'food'.
Someone who reads a lot is a...
どくしゃ (dokusha) means 'reader'. せんせい (sensei) means 'teacher'. がくせい (gakusei) means 'student'. りょうりじん (ryōrijin) means 'cook' or 'chef'.
The word for 'reader' in Japanese is どくしょ.
The word for 'reader' is 読者 (どくしゃ). 読書 (どくしょ) means 'reading' (the act of reading).
If you like books, you might be a どくしゃ.
Yes, if you like books, you are a reader (どくしゃ).
The word どくしゃ is made of two kanji.
The word 読者 (dokusha) is indeed made of two kanji: 読 (doku - to read) and 者 (sha - person).
How do you say 'reader' in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
読者 (dokusha)
Write a short sentence in Japanese saying 'I am a reader.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は読者です。(Watashi wa dokusha desu.)
Translate 'book reader' into Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
本の読者 (hon no dokusha)
What is the speaker?
Read this passage:
私は本を読むのが好きです。たくさんの本を持っています。私は読者です。
What is the speaker?
The passage says '私は読者です' (I am a reader).
The passage says '私は読者です' (I am a reader).
Is he a reader?
Read this passage:
彼は新聞を読んでいます。彼は毎日新聞を読みます。彼は読者ですか。
Is he a reader?
He reads the newspaper every day, which indicates he is a reader.
He reads the newspaper every day, which indicates he is a reader.
What does '多くの読者' mean?
Read this passage:
この本はとても面白いです。多くの読者がこの本を好きです。あなたも読者ですか。
What does '多くの読者' mean?
読者 means 'reader', so '多くの読者' means 'many readers'.
読者 means 'reader', so '多くの読者' means 'many readers'.
この本は多くの____に読まれています。
The sentence means 'This book is read by many ____.' '読者' (dokusha) means 'reader', which fits the context of a book being read.
彼は熱心な本の____です。
The sentence means 'He is an enthusiastic book ____.' '読者' (dokusha) means 'reader', making 'an enthusiastic book reader' a logical phrase.
あなたの____に感謝します。
The sentence means 'Thank you to your ____.' In the context of writing, thanking 'readers' (読者 - dokusha) is common.
「読者」は「読む人」を意味します。
「読者」 (dokusha) indeed means 'a person who reads' or 'reader'.
新聞を読む人は「読者」とは言いません。
Anyone who reads, including newspaper readers, can be called a 「読者」 (dokusha).
「読者」は「書く人」という意味です。
「読者」 (dokusha) means 'reader' (読む人 - yomu hito), not 'writer' (書く人 - kaku hito).
Imagine you are a librarian introducing a new book club. Write a short sentence encouraging people to become readers. Use the word 読者.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この本クラブに参加して、新しい読者になりましょう。 (Join this book club and let's become new readers.)
You are writing a caption for a picture of someone deeply engrossed in a book. Write a short sentence describing them as a devoted reader using 読者.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼女は熱心な読者です。 (She is a devoted reader.)
You are making a sign for a library. Write a sentence welcoming all readers. Use 読者.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
読者の皆さん、歓迎します！ (Welcome, all readers!)
この本は誰に読まれていますか？ (Who is reading this book?)
Read this passage:
この本はたくさんの読者に読まれています。とても面白いです。 (This book is being read by many readers. It is very interesting.)
この本は誰に読まれていますか？ (Who is reading this book?)
文章に「たくさんの読者に読まれています」とありますので、本は読者に読まれていることがわかります。(The passage says 'being read by many readers,' so we know the book is being read by readers.)
文章に「たくさんの読者に読まれています」とありますので、本は読者に読まれていることがわかります。(The passage says 'being read by many readers,' so we know the book is being read by readers.)
話している人は何をしていますか？ (What is the speaker doing?)
Read this passage:
私は毎日新聞を読みます。私は読者です。 (I read the newspaper every day. I am a reader.)
話している人は何をしていますか？ (What is the speaker doing?)
文章に「私は毎日新聞を読みます」とありますので、新聞を読んでいることがわかります。(The passage says 'I read the newspaper every day,' so we know they are reading a newspaper.)
文章に「私は毎日新聞を読みます」とありますので、新聞を読んでいることがわかります。(The passage says 'I read the newspaper every day,' so we know they are reading a newspaper.)
この雑誌の読者はどのような人たちが多いですか？ (What kind of people are there many of among this magazine's readers?)
Read this passage:
この雑誌には若い読者が多いです。 (This magazine has many young readers.)
この雑誌の読者はどのような人たちが多いですか？ (What kind of people are there many of among this magazine's readers?)
文章に「若い読者が多いです」とありますので、若い人たちが多いことがわかります。(The passage says 'many young readers,' so we know there are many young people.)
文章に「若い読者が多いです」とありますので、若い人たちが多いことがわかります。(The passage says 'many young readers,' so we know there are many young people.)
Imagine you are a publisher. Write a short promotional blurb for a new book, encouraging potential readers to buy it. Include the word '読者'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この新しい本は、すべての読者にとって魅力的な内容です。ぜひお買い求めください！(This new book is fascinating for all readers. Please buy it!)
Describe a scenario where a writer receives feedback from their '読者'. What kind of feedback might they receive? How might they react?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
作家は読者からの正直なフィードバックに感謝しました。それは彼の次の作品をより良くするのに役立つでしょう。(The writer appreciated the honest feedback from the readers. It will help him make his next work better.)
You are writing an email to a friend, recommending a book. Explain why you think they would be a good '読者' for this book.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この本はあなたの趣味にぴったりなので、あなたはこの本の理想的な読者だと思います。(I think you would be an ideal reader for this book because it perfectly matches your hobbies.)
この図書館はどんな読者に開かれていますか？
Read this passage:
この図書館は、あらゆる年齢の読者に開かれています。特に、子供向けのセクションはいつも賑わっています。新しい本が毎週追加され、読書イベントも頻繁に開催されます。
この図書館はどんな読者に開かれていますか？
パッセージの冒頭に「あらゆる年齢の読者に開かれています」と明記されています。(It is clearly stated at the beginning of the passage that it is open to readers of all ages.)
パッセージの冒頭に「あらゆる年齢の読者に開かれています」と明記されています。(It is clearly stated at the beginning of the passage that it is open to readers of all ages.)
この筆者の目標は何ですか？
Read this passage:
私の目標は、読者が私の物語を読んで感動し、何か新しいことを学ぶことです。そのため、いつも読者の視点を意識して書いています。読者からの手紙を読むのが、私の喜びの一つです。
この筆者の目標は何ですか？
パッセージに「読者が私の物語を読んで感動し、何か新しいことを学ぶことです」と書かれています。(It is written in the passage that 'my goal is for readers to be moved by my stories and learn something new'.)
パッセージに「読者が私の物語を読んで感動し、何か新しいことを学ぶことです」と書かれています。(It is written in the passage that 'my goal is for readers to be moved by my stories and learn something new'.)
この雑誌はどんな読者をターゲットにしていますか？
Read this passage:
この雑誌は、ファッションに興味のある読者をターゲットにしています。最新のトレンド情報や有名人のインタビューが満載で、毎月多くの読者に読まれています。オンライン版も人気です。
この雑誌はどんな読者をターゲットにしていますか？
パッセージに「ファッションに興味のある読者をターゲットにしています」と書かれています。(It is written in the passage that 'this magazine targets readers interested in fashion'.)
パッセージに「ファッションに興味のある読者をターゲットにしています」と書かれています。(It is written in the passage that 'this magazine targets readers interested in fashion'.)
この小説は多くの___を魅了している。
The sentence is talking about attracting many people who read the novel. '読者' (reader) fits best here.
彼のブログは世界中の___に読まれている。
The blog is read by people all over the world. '読者' (reader) is the appropriate word for those who read a blog.
この雑誌は、特に若い女性___に人気がある。
A magazine has 'readers', so '読者' is the correct choice.
___からのフィードバックは、作家にとって非常に重要だ。
Feedback for a writer typically comes from 'readers'.
私は熱心な___で、いつも新しい本を探している。
Someone who is always looking for new books is an avid 'reader'.
その作家は、___のために書くことを何よりも大切にしている。
A writer writes primarily for their 'readers'.
The novel is loved by many readers.
This book targets a particularly young readership.
We value feedback from our readers.
Read this aloud:
この雑誌の読者はどのような人たちですか？
Focus: どくしゃ
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
あなたがよく読むジャンルは何ですか？
Focus: ジャンル
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
読者の意見は、作品を改善するために非常に重要です。
Focus: いけん
Tu as dit :
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/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Exemple
その雑誌は多くの読者に愛されている。
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur media
詳しく
A2In detail; with thoroughness and specific information.
インタビュー
A2Interview; a formal meeting for assessment or discussion.
〜によると
A2According to; as stated by.
〜を通じて
A2Through; via; by means of.
現代的
A2Modern; relating to the present or recent times.
広告
B1A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy.
投稿
A2Post; submission; an item of content published online.
放送する
A2To broadcast; to transmit a program by radio or television.
録画する
A2To record video; to capture moving images for later viewing.
録画
A2Video recording; the act of recording moving images.
