Translation and Meaning of: 便 - bin

The Japanese word 「便」 (bin) is fascinating, not only for its meaning but also for its etymology and the way it is used in different contexts. The origin of the kanji 「便」 traces back to ancient Chinese, where it conveyed the basic idea of "convenience" or "ease." This concept of utility and ease remains the foundation for many uses of the word in modern Japanese.

In terms of definition, 「便」 (bin) is often used to indicate things related to transportation and communication. One of the most common uses is to describe "flights" or "mail services." For example, 「飛行便」 (hikou bin) refers to an airplane flight, emphasizing the use of the word to highlight services that bring convenience and time savings to people. Additionally, 「便」 can appear in combinations that mean "message" or "news," reinforcing the connection with efficient communication.

This kanji also unfolds into different terms in Japanese vocabulary, such as 「便利」 (benri), which means "convenient," and 「便せん」 (binsen), which refers to "letter paper." Here, the radical 「リ」 in the kanji of 「利」, which often accompanies 「便」, indicates that it is something advantageous or beneficial. The varied and versatile use of 「便」 reflects the cultural importance of efficiency and convenience in contemporary Japan.

Interestingly,「便」also carries nuances that can be observed in the combination「便所」(benjo), which is a polite way of saying bathroom or toilet, thereby emphasizing a basic human need, once again linked to the idea of convenience and practicality. This usage highlights the multifaceted aspect of the word, which is not limited only to modern items and services, but also extends to everyday necessities.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 便利 (benri) - Convenience, ease of use.
• 便宜 (benigi) - Convenience, favor, benefit. It can have a connotation of ease in certain circumstances.
• 便所 (benjo) - Bathroom, toilet.
• 便箋 (bensen) - Letter paper, stationery.
• 便乗 (benjō) - Riding on something, convenient adherence to a situation or use of someone else's transportation.
• 便器 (benki) - Toilet, bathroom equipment.
• 便秘 (benpi) - Constipation, difficulty in passing stool.
• 便り (tayori) - Correspondence, news, message.
• 便意 (beni) - Need to urinate or defecate. Urgency feeling related to bodily functions.
• 便覧 (benran) - Guides or informational compendiums, manuals.

便

Romaji: bin
Kana: びん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: mail; postage; flight (for example, air flight); service; opportunity; chance; Letter

Meaning in English: mail;post;flight (e.g. airline flight);service;opportunity;chance;letter

Definition: A means or method to transport things.

Example Sentences - (便) bin

See below some example sentences:

自動車は便利です。

jidousha wa benri desu

Automatic cars are convenient.

The car is convenient.

• 自動車 - means "car" in Japanese
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "car"
• 便利 - adjective that means "useful" or "convenient"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the car is useful or convenient

船便で荷物を送ります。

Funabin de nimotsu wo okurimasu

Vou enviar a bagagem por frete marítimo.

Envie sua bagagem navegando.

• 船便 - Maritime transport
• で - partícula que indica o meio de transporte utilizado
• 荷物 - luggage, cargo
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 送ります - enviar, despachar