How to say "handbook" in Japanese

• ハンドブックCommon
  nounThe direct loanword: a compact reference book on a subject, gathering practical information and data. A natural choice for technical or professional handbooks.
• 手引書てびきしょCommon
  nounCovers 'handbook' in the sense of practical guidance: a book that shows you how to do something, step by step. Closer to 'manual', 'guide' or 'primer' than to a data-filled reference.
  こういう手引てびき書かきはもっと分わかりやすく書かくべきだ。↗

  Such manuals should be written in simpler language.
• 要覧ようらんCommon
  nounSeldom the word you want for 'handbook': it really means an outline, summary or survey — a concise booklet presenting the essentials of an organization or institution.
• 必携ひっけいCommon
  nounFor a handbook meant to be kept at hand and consulted as needed — the 'vade mecum' sense. It often appears in the titles of such compact companion volumes.

Use 「ハンドブック」 for a handbook as a compact reference work, 手引書 for practical how-to guidance, 必携 for a companion meant to be kept at hand, and 要覧 rarely, since it really means an outline or summary.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ハンドブックhandbook
• 手引書てびきしょhandbook
• 要覧ようらんoutline
• 便覧びんらんhandbook
• 宝鑑ほうかんhandbook
• 指南書しなんしょhandbook
• 宝典ほうてんprecious book
• 解説書かいせつしょ(instruction) manual
• 必携ひっけいhandbook
• 手引きてびきguide
• 道しるべみちしるべguide
• 早わかりはやわかり(beginner's) guide