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:

この商品の値段は高すぎる。

Kono shouhin no nedan wa takasugiru

The price of this product is too high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 値段 - noun meaning "price" or "value"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高すぎる - adjective meaning "very expensive" or "very high"

この商品の価格は高すぎます。

Kono shouhin no kakaku wa takasugimasu

The price of this product is too high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 価格 - noun meaning "price" or "value"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高すぎます - The verb that means "to be too expensive" or "to be very expensive," conjugated in the present affirmative and polite form.

この商品の産地はどこですか？

Kono shouhin no sandi wa doko desu ka?

What is the place of origin of this product?

Where is the production area for this product?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 産地 - noun meaning "place of production" or "origin"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• どこ - interrogative pronoun meaning "where"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この地域の特産品は非常に美味しいです。

Kono chiiki no tokusanhin wa hijō ni oishii desu

Special products in this area are very delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地域 - noun meaning "region"
• の - possessive particle that indicates ownership or belonging
• 特産品 - compound noun that means "specialized product" or "typical product"
• は - topic particle indicating the main subject of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この地方の名産品は美味しいです。

Kono chihō no meisanshin wa oishii desu

This local specialty is delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地方 - Noun that means "region" or "location"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 名産品 - compound noun meaning "local product" or "region's specialty"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking

この産物はとても高品質です。

Kono sanbutsu wa totemo kouhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 産物 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この製品の対応は非常に迅速でした。

Kono seihin no taiou wa hijou ni jinsoku deshita

The answer of this product was very fast.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 製品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
• 対応 - noun that means "response" or "treatment"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 迅速 - adjective that means "fast" or "agile"
• でした - verb "to be" in the polite past

この製品の用途は何ですか？

Kono seihin no yōto wa nan desu ka?

What is the use of this product?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 製品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 用途 - noun that means "use" or "application"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この商品の定価はいくらですか？

Kono shouhin no teika wa ikura desu ka?

What is the list price of this product?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this"
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
• の - possession particle, indicating that the product is the object of the question
• 定価 - fixed price
• は - topic particle, indicating that the question refers to the fixed price of the product
• いくら - interrogative pronoun that means "how much"
• ですか - an expression that indicates a polite question, equivalent to "could you please tell me?"

この品質は素晴らしいです。

Kono hinshitsu wa subarashii desu

This quality is excellent.

This quality is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 品質 - noun that means "quality"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form