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:

私は洋品店で新しいドレスを買いました。

Watashi wa youhinten de atarashii doresu wo kaimashita

I bought a new dress at the western clothing store.

I bought a new dress at a clothing store.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 洋品店 - noun "western clothing store"
• で - location particle, indicates that the action of buying took place "in the western clothing store"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• ドレス - noun "dress"
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "new dress" is the direct object of the action of buying
• 買いました - verb "bought" in the past tense

消耗品は定期的に補充する必要があります。

Shoumouhin wa teikiteki ni hokan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

The consumable items need to be refilled regularly.

Consumables must be replenished regularly.

• 消耗品 (shoumouhin) - consumable products
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 定期的に (teikiteki ni) - periodically
• 補充する (hojyuu suru) - refuel
• 必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) - Is required

気品あふれる女性は魅力的です。

Kihin afureru josei wa miryokuteki desu

A woman full of elegance is attractive.

The elegant woman is attractive.

• 気品 (kibun) - refinement, elegance
• あふれる (afureru) - overflow, be full of
• 女性 (josei) - woman
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 魅力的 (miryokuteki) - attractive, charming
• です (desu) - polite way of being

日用品は毎日必要なものです。

Nichiyōhin wa mainichi hitsuyōna mono desu

The daily needs are necessary things every day.

Daily needs are needed every day.

• 日用品 (にちようひん) - daily use items
• は - Topic particle
• 毎日 (まいにち) - every day
• 必要 (ひつよう) - necessary
• な - assignment particle
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手品を見せてください。

Tejina wo misete kudasai

Please show me a magic trick.

Please show me the magic.

• 手品 - magic, magic trick
• を - direct object particle
• 見せて - verb "show" in the imperative
• ください - please, polite request expression

広告は消費者に製品やサービスを知らせるために重要です。

Koukoku wa shouhisha ni seihin ya saabisu wo shiraseru tame ni juuyou desu

Advertising is important to inform consumers about products and services.

Advertising is important to inform consumers about products and services.

• 広告 (koukoku) - Advertising
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 消費者 (shouhisha) - consumers
• に (ni) - target particle
• 製品 (seihin) - Products
• や (ya) - enumeration particle
• サービス (saabisu) - services
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 知らせる (shiraseru) - inform
• ために (tameni) - for
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• です (desu) - verb to be

代理店で商品を買いました。

Dairiten de shouhin wo kaimashita

I bought a product in the representation store.

I bought a product at an agency.

• 代理店 (dairiten) - means "agency" or "representative", it is a company that acts as an intermediary between the manufacturer and the end consumer.
• で (de) - is a particle that indicates the place where something happened, in this case, the purchase of the product at the agency.
• 商品 (shouhin) - means "product" or "merchandise".
• を (wo) - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, the product that was purchased.
• 買いました (kaimashita) - is the past form of the verb "buy".

代用品を探しています。

Daiyōhin o sagashiteimasu

I'm looking for a substitute.

I'm looking for a substitute.

• 代用品 - Substitute
• を - object particle
• 探しています - I'm looking for

レンズはカメラの重要な部品です。

Renzu wa kamera no juuyou na bubun desu

Lenses are an important part of the camera.

The lens is an important part of the camera.

• レンズ (renzu) - lens
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• カメラ (kamera) - câmera
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 部品 (buhin) - component, part
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

メーカーは製品を作る会社です。

Mēkā wa seihin o tsukuru kaisha desu

A manufacturer is a company that produces products.

The manufacturer is a company that manufactures products.

• メーカー - manufacturer
• は - Topic particle
• 製品 - product
• を - direct object particle
• 作る - make, produce
• 会社 - company
• です - verb "to be", indicating state or quality