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:

この製品は高品質です。

Kono seihin wa kōhinshitsu desu

This product is of high quality.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 製品 - noun that means "product/manufactured"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this product"
• 高品質 - compound noun that means "high quality"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form

このイベントの賞品はとても魅力的です。

Kono ibento no shōhin wa totemo miryokuteki desu

The prizes of this event are very attractive.

• この - demonstrative pronoun
• イベント - event
• の - Possession particle
• 賞品 - award
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb of intensity (very)
• 魅力的 - adjective (attractive)
• です - verb ser/estar (polite)

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?

この商品には保証が付いています。

Kono shouhin ni wa hoshou ga tsuiteimasu

This product comes with warranty.

This product has a warranty.

• この商品 - This product
• には - have
• 保証 - garantia
• が - (subject particle)
• 付いています - is included

この商品はどのカテゴリーに属していますか？

Kono shouhin wa dono kategori ni zokushiteimasu ka?

In what category does this product belong to?

What category does this product belong to?

• この商品 - This Product
• は - Topic particle
• どの - "which"
• カテゴリー - "category"
• に - target particle
• 属していますか - "does it belong?" (polite form)

この商品はとても人気があります。

Kono shouhin wa totemo ninki ga arimasu

This product is very popular.

• この商品 - This Product
• は - Topic particle
• とても - "very"
• 人気 - popularity
• が - subject particle
• あります - exist

この商品は処分する必要があります。

Kono shouhin wa shobun suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

This product needs to be discarded.

This product must be discarded.

• この商品 - This product
• は - (topic particle)
• 処分する - To discard
• 必要があります - Is required

この商品の金額はいくらですか？

Kono shouhin no kingaku wa ikura desu ka?

What is the value of this product?

How much is this product?

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 金額 - Price
• は - Topic particle
• いくら - How much
• ですか - Is (interrogative particle)

この商品はとても安いです。

Kono shouhin wa totemo yasui desu

This product is very cheap.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• とても - Very
• 安い - Cheap
• です - Verb "to be" in the present

この商品は限定販売です。

Kono shouhin wa gentei hanbai desu

This product is of limited sale.

This product is sold limited.

• この商品 - This product
• は - is
• 限定販売 - limited sale
• です - is