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:

この商品は売り切れてしまいました。

Kono shouhin wa urikirete shimaimashita

This product is sold out.

This product has been exhausted.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 売り切れてしまいました - Sold out / Sold out completely

この商品はよく売れる。

Kono shouhin wa yoku ureru

This product sells well.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• よく - Very, frequently
• 売れる - Sell, to be sold

この商品を入手するのは簡単ではありません。

Kono shouhin wo nyuushu suru no wa kantan de wa arimasen

It is not easy to get this product.

• この商品 - this product
• を - direct object particle
• 入手する - get
• のは - Topic particle
• 簡単ではありません - it's not easy

この商品は好評です。

Kono shouhin wa kouhyou desu

This product is well evaluated.

This product is popular.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 好評 - Popularity
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

この商品の値段は500円以内です。

Kono shouhin no nedan wa gohyaku en inai desu

The price of this product is up to 500 yen.

The price of this product is within 500 yen.

• この商品の値段は - indicates the subject of the sentence, which is the price of the product in question
• 500円 - the value of the product price
• 以内 - means "within" or "up to", indicating that the price does not exceed 500円
• です - is a sentence-ending particle, indicating that the information is a statement

この店の商品は高いです。

Kono mise no shouhin wa takai desu

The products in this store are expensive.

The products in this store are expensive.

• この店の - indicates, in this case, "of this establishment"
• 商品 - means "product"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case, "product"
• 高い - adjective meaning "expensive"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating an affirmation

この店にはたくさんの種類の商品があります。

Kono mise ni wa takusan no shurui no shōhin ga arimasu

There are many kinds of products in this store.

• この店には - indicate the location where the products are available
• たくさんの - means "many"
• 種類の - refers to the types of products available
• 商品が - means "products"
• あります - it is the verb "to exist" in the polite form

この製品は日本原産です。

Kono seihin wa Nihon gensan desu

This product is of Japanese origin.

This product is native to Japan.

• この製品 - This product
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本 - Japan
• 原産 - Origin, production
• です - Verb to be in the polite form

その商品は値打ちがある。

sono shouhin wa nedachi ga aru

This product has a significant value.

The product is worth it.

• その商品 - this merchandise
• は - Topic particle
• 値打ち - value, merit
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have

トランジスターは電子部品の一種です。

Toranjisutaa wa denshi buhin no issu desu

Transistor is a type of electronic component.

• トランジスター - transistor
• は - partícula que indica o tópico da frase
• 電子部品 - electronic components
• の - particle possession indicating or association
• 一種 - one type
• です - is (copulation)