Translation and Meaning of: 商品 - shouhin
The Japanese word 商品[しょうひん] is an essential term for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "merchandise" or "product," but its application goes beyond commerce, reflecting aspects of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore everything from writing and pronunciation to everyday use and cultural curiosities. If you want to understand how the Japanese perceive the concept of 商品, this guide will help you.
The meaning and writing of 商品
The word 商品 is composed of two kanji: 商 (commerce) and 品 (product). Together, they form the concept of "merchandise" or "item for sale." It is a neutral term, used for both physical products and services in commercial contexts. Unlike 製品 (manufactured product), 商品 has a broader focus, encompassing everything that can be traded.
In writing, it is important to note that the kanji 品 appears in other words such as 食品 (food) or 作品 (artwork), but always maintaining the idea of "quality". This relationship helps to memorize the meaning of 商品, since the second kanji is a clear indicator of the type of word we are dealing with.
How and when to use 商品 in everyday life
In Japan, 商品 is a common word in stores, supermarkets, and even in conversations about shopping. Phrases like "この商品はいくらですか？" (How much is this product?) are frequent. It also appears on price tags, advertisements, and catalogs, always highlighting something that is for sale.
It is worth noting that 商品 is not limited to physical objects. Services such as travel packages or subscriptions can also be referred to this way. For example, a hotel may offer "宿泊商品" (accommodation products), demonstrating how versatile the term is in the business world.
The cultural importance of 商品 in Japan
In the Japanese context, 商品 is not just a commercial term – it reflects values such as quality and presentation. The meticulous packaging and attention to detail in products are examples of this. Items like お土産 (omiyage, regional souvenirs) are treated as special 商品, carrying cultural significance beyond their monetary value.
Another interesting aspect is the use of 商品 in limited seasons, such as "季節商品" (seasonal products) that mark festivals or changes in the weather. This practice reinforces the relationship between commerce and tradition in Japan, showing how the word goes beyond its literal meaning.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 製品 (Seihin) - Product manufactured, result of a production process.
- 物品 (Buppin) - Physical objects or items, usually used in commerce contexts.
- 品物 (Shinamono) - Items or products in general can refer to specific goods.
- 商品品 (Shōhin) - Commercial value of a item, specifically in the context of products available for sale.
- 商品類 (Shōhinrui) - Category or type of products, referring to a class of goods.
- 商品種 (Shōhin-shu) - Variety or specific type of products, emphasizing distinctions within a category.
- 商品品目 (Shōhin-hinmoku) - List or itemization of products with specific details about each of them.
- 商品品質 (Shōhin-hinshitsu) - Product quality, focusing on manufacturing characteristics and standards.
- 商品品揃え (Shōhin-hin-zoroe) - Variety of products available, referring to the selection and range of goods on offer.
Related words
Romaji: shouhin
Kana: しょうひん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: merchandise; article of commerce; assets; stock; merchandise
Meaning in English: commodity;article of commerce;goods;stock;merchandise
Definition: A product is something or service that can be bought, sold or traded.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (商品) shouhin
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (商品) shouhin:
Example Sentences - (商品) shouhin
See below some example sentences:
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
