Translation and Meaning of: 品 - shina

The Japanese word 品[しな] is a versatile term with many nuances, present both in everyday life and in more formal contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and practical use can enrich your vocabulary and even your perception of Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural curiosities involving this word.

In addition to uncovering what 品 means, we will see how it appears in common expressions and how the Japanese use it in daily life. If you are looking to memorize the term or apply it in sentences, we have also gathered useful tips based on reliable sources. All of this is to help you use 品 naturally, whether in conversations or in more in-depth studies of the language.

Meaning and translation of 品

In its simplest form, 品[しな] can be translated as "item," "product," or "item." In a commercial context, it is common to hear phrases like "この品は高いですか？" (Is this item expensive?). However, its meaning goes beyond the material. The word also carries connotations such as "quality" or "class," especially when referring to something refined or elegant.

Another interesting use of 品 is in the expression 品がある [しながある], which describes someone or something with "class" or "dignity." This duality between the concrete (object) and the abstract (quality) makes the word quite flexible. It is worth noting that, although it has meanings close to "thing" or "commodity," 品 is not interchangeable with terms like 物 [もの] in all contexts.

Origin and writing of the kanji 品

The kanji 品 is composed of three squares (口), which represent mouths or containers. One theory suggests that this repetition symbolizes the idea of "classification" or "evaluation," as in the past, products were sorted into categories. This origin reflects well the modern use of the word, which is often associated with organized or qualified items.

It is worth noting that 品 is also one of the most consistent kanjis in terms of readings. Although there are alternative readings like ほん (in words such as 物品[ぶっぴん]), the pronunciation しな is the most common in everyday use. This makes it easier to memorize, especially for beginner students who are still getting familiar with the multiple readings of the kanjis.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, 品 is not limited to physical objects. The word is deeply connected to the notion of refinement, appearing in compliments such as 品が良い[しながいい] (to have good class). This cultural aspect is important as it shows how the Japanese language associates material characteristics with social values. An expensive wine, for example, can be described as 品のあるワイン (a classy wine).

Another useful expression is 品揃え[しなぞろえ], used in stores to refer to "variety of products." If you have ever entered a depaato (Japanese department store), you have probably seen signs with phrases like "Our store has a wide variety of items." These uses show how 品 is rooted in both commerce and the perception of value.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 物品 (buppin) - Object or item in general.
• 製品 (seihin) - Manufactured product.
• 商品 (shouhin) - Commercialized product.
• 品物 (shinmono) - Item, thing, or merchandise.
• 品質 (hinshitsu) - Product quality.
• 品揃え (shinazore) - Variety of products available.
• 品目 (hinmoku) - Item or category of products.
• 品種 (hinshu) - Variety or type of products.
• 品位 (hin'i) - Level of quality or dignity.
• 品格 (hinkaku) - Character or dignity of a product.

品

Romaji: shina
Kana: しな
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: thing; article; assets; dignity; Article (goods); Accountant for meal courses

Meaning in English: thing;article;goods;dignity;article (goods);counter for meal courses

Definition: goods and products.

Example Sentences - (品) shina

See below some example sentences:

この商品は来週発売されます。

Kono shouhin wa raishuu hatsubai saremasu

This product will be released next week.

This product will be released next week.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 来週 - Next week
• 発売 - Launch
• されます - Será feito (passive form of the verb "suru")

この商品の目安は３日間です。

Kono shouhin no meyasu wa san nichi kan desu

The estimated time for this product is three days.

The default for this product is 3 days.

• この商品の目安 - indication of this product
• は - Topic particle
• ３日間 - three days
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この商品の販売は終了しました。

Kono shouhin no hanbai wa shuuryou shimashita

The sale of this product was closed.

The sale of this product is over.

• この商品の販売 - Sale of this product
• は - Topic particle
• 終了 - End, finish
• しました - The past form of the verb "する" (to do) is "did."

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

この商品の売れ行きは好調です。

Kono shouhin no ureyuki wa kouchou desu

Sales of this product are going well.

Sales of this product are strong.

• この商品 - this product
• の - of
• 売れ行き - sales
• は - are
• 好調 - favorable, good
• です - is

この商品の取り扱いには十分注意してください。

Kono shouhin no toriatsukai ni wa juubun chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful enough when handling this product.

Be careful when handling this product.

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 取り扱い - Handling
• には - Particle that indicates focus or attention
• 十分 - Sufficient
• 注意 - Attention
• してください - Please, do it.

この商品の評価は高いです。

Kono shouhin no hyouka wa takai desu

The evaluation of this product is high.

The evaluation of this product is high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 評価 - noun that means "evaluation" or "classification"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated," but in this context means "good" or "excellent."
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and 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

この商品の包装はとても美しいです。

Kono shouhin no housou wa totemo utsukushii desu

The packaging of this product is very beautiful.

The packaging of this product is very beautiful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise".
• の - Particle that indicates possession or relationship.
• 包装 - noun that means "packaging".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• とても - adverb that means "very" or "extremely".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

この製品には欠陥がある。

Kono seihin ni wa kekkan ga aru

This product has a flaw.

This product has a defect.

• この - this
• 製品 - product
• には - have
• 欠陥 - defect
• が - have
• ある - exist