Translation and Meaning of: 作品 - sakuhin

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 作品 (さくひん). It appears in various contexts, from discussions about art to descriptions of creative products. But what exactly does this word mean? In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it. If you want to better understand this expression, the Suki Nihongo dictionary is a great reference to deepen your knowledge.

Meaning and use of 作品

The word 作品 (さくひん) is used to refer to a "work" or "creative work." It can be applied in various contexts, such as visual arts, literature, film, and even handmade projects. Unlike more generic terms like 物 (もの), which simply means "thing," 作品 carries the idea of something produced with artistic or technical intention.

In Japan, it is common to see this word in art galleries, film descriptions, and even in manga exhibitions. For example, when an artist displays their paintings, each piece is called 作品. Similarly, a writer may refer to their novel as 作品. The term also appears in academic and professional contexts, especially in discussions about copyright.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The writing of 作品 is composed of two kanjis: 作 (さく), which means "to make" or "to create," and 品 (ひん), which can be translated as "article" or "product." Together, they form the idea of something that has been produced or crafted. This combination is not random—it accurately reflects the meaning of the word, as every work is essentially a product of human creation.

It is worth noting that the kanji 作 appears in other words related to production, such as 作家 (さっか, "writer/author") and 作成 (さくせい, "elaboration"). Meanwhile, 品 is used in terms like 商品 (しょうひん, "goods") and 作品品 (さくひんひん, a redundancy that does not exist, but serves to illustrate the use of the kanji). This relationship helps to understand why 作品 has such a meaning connected to creation and the result of a work.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to remember the word 作品 is to associate it with famous works of Japanese culture. For example, when watching an anime or reading a manga, remember that they are 作品. This practical connection helps to internalize the term naturally. Another tip is to observe how the word appears in museums and cultural events, where it is often used to describe exhibitions.

Furthermore, an interesting fact is that, in Japan, there are specific awards for certain types of 作品. The Akutagawa Prize, for example, is one of the most important for literary works. Recognizing these contexts can enrich your vocabulary and understanding of the term. If you want to practice, try to identify 作品 in your daily life—whether in movies, books, or even in personal projects.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 作品 (Sakuhin) - Work; creative work, usually refers to a piece of art, literature, or any artistic production.

作品

Romaji: sakuhin
Kana: さくひん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: work; Opus; performance; production

Meaning in English: work;opus;performance;production

Definition: Something that is created through expression and creative activities.

Example Sentences - (作品) sakuhin

See below some example sentences:

この芸術作品の形態は非常に珍しいです。

Kono geijutsu sakuhin no keitai wa hijō ni mezurashii desu

The form of this work of art is very unusual.

The form of this work of art is very rare.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 芸術作品 - compound noun meaning "work of art"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 形態 - noun meaning "shape" or "configuration"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 珍しい - Adjective that means "rare" or "uncommon"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この美術館に寄贈された作品は素晴らしいです。

Kono bijutsukan ni kizon sareta sakuhin wa subarashii desu

The works donated to this museum are marvelous.

The work donated to this museum is wonderful.

• この - indicates that what follows is close or related to the speaker
• 美術館 - art museum
• に - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 寄贈された - The verb "kizō" in the past tense means "donated."
• 作品 - Work of art
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - The adjective "subarashii" means "wonderful."
• です - the verb "desu", which indicates the polite and formal way of speaking

この雑誌に私の作品が掲載されました。

Kono zasshi ni watashi no sakuhin ga keisai sare mashita

My work was published in this magazine.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 雑誌 - noun "magazine"
• に - particle that indicates "in"
• 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
• 作品 - noun "work"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 掲載 - noun "publication"
• されました - passive verb "was published"

この作品は出品されました。

Kono sakuhin wa shuppin sare mashita

This work was put for sale.

This work was displayed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
• は - topic particle which indicates that what comes before it is the main subject of the sentence
• 出品 - noun meaning "exhibition" or "display of works of art"
• されました - passive verb in the polite form, indicating that the action was carried out by someone, but not specifying who

この作品はいつ仕上がるのですか？

Kono sakuhin wa itsu shiagaru no desu ka?

When will this work be ready?

When will this work end?

• この作品 - This work
• は - Topic particle
• いつ - When
• 仕上がる - It will be completed
• の - Noun particle
• ですか - é?

彼女の作品には雅致がある。

Kanojo no sakuhin ni wa gachi ga aru

Your work has elegance.

• 彼女の作品 - "Kanojo no sakuhin" means "her works".
• には - "Ni wa" is a particle that indicates that what follows is a characteristic or quality of what was mentioned earlier.
• 雅致 - "Gachi" is a term that refers to a refined and elegant quality.
• が - "Ga" is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - "Aru" is a verb meaning "to exist" or "to be".

私の作品はまだ未完成です。

Watashi no sakuhin wa mada mikansei desu

My work is not yet complete.

My work is still unfinished.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• まだ - adverb that means "still" or "for now"
• 未完成 - noun meaning "incomplete" or "unfinished"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is an affirmative statement