Translation and Meaning of: 商 - shou

The Japanese word 商[しょう] is an essential term for anyone looking to understand the commercial and economic aspects of Japan. Its main meaning is related to trade, business, and transactions, but its application goes beyond the purely financial context. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to its everyday use and compound expressions. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding 商[しょう] can open doors to a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Meaning and Origin of the Kanji 商

The kanji 商 is composed of the radical 亠 (tou, which indicates "cover" or "roof") and the lower part 冏 (kei, associated with "exchange" or "negotiation"). Historically, this character originated in ancient China, representing the idea of trade and the exchange of goods. In Japan, it was incorporated with the same meaning, becoming part of terms such as 商業[しょうぎょう] (commerce) and 商品[しょうひん] (goods).

In addition to its literal meaning, 商 carries a connotation of movement and social interaction. Unlike other kanjis related to money, such as 金[きん], it emphasizes the relationship between people in transactions. This nuance is important to understand why the term appears in contexts ranging from small businesses to large corporations.

Everyday Use and Common Expressions

In daily life, 商[しょう] appears in various words and phrases. One of the most well-known is 商売[しょうばい], which means "business" or "commerce." This expression is often used to refer to commercial activities, whether it's a neighborhood store or a multinational company. Another example is 商人[しょうにん], which designates a merchant or trader.

It is worth noting that 商 also appears in less obvious contexts. In 商談[しょうだん], for example, the term refers to business negotiations, showing how the word is linked to processes of dialogue and agreement. This type of use reinforces the idea that commerce in Japan is not just an exchange of products, but also of relationships.

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

An effective way to memorize 商[しょう] is to associate it with words that are already part of the basic vocabulary of those studying Japanese. For example, 商店[しょうてん] means "store" and can be easily remembered by thinking of commercial establishments. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "この商品は高いです" (This product is expensive), which helps reinforce the use of the kanji in real contexts.

Interestingly, 商 also appears in technical terms, such as 商法 [しょうほう] (commercial law), showing its relevance in specialized areas. For those seeking fluency, learning these variations is essential. A good strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, highlighting both the meaning and the pronunciation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 売り (Uri) - Sale
• 取引 (Torihiki) - Transação, negociação
• ビジネス (Bijinesu) - Business, Trade
• 商業 (Shōgyō) - Commerce, Commercial activity
• 販売 (Hanbai) - Sale, Marketing
• 商売 (Shōbai) - Trade, Business (focusing on local activities)
• 商人 (Shōnin) - Merchant, Trader
• 商店 (Shōten) - Store, Commercial establishment
• 商業的 (Shōgyō-teki) - Commercial, Related to trade
• 商用 (Shōyō) - Commercial use

商

Romaji: shou
Kana: しょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: quotient

Meaning in English: quotient

Definition: To sell products.

Example Sentences - (商) shou

See below some example sentences:

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 - "qual"
• カテゴリー - "categoria"
• 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 - "popularidade"
• が - subject particle
• あります - "existe"

この商品は処分する必要があります。

Kono shouhin wa shobun suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

Este produto precisa ser descartado.

Este produto deve ser descartado.

• この商品 - This product
• は - (topic particle)
• 処分する - Descartar
• 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 - Barato
• 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

Este produto é de venda limitada.

Este produto é vendido limitado.

• この商品 - This product
• は - is
• 限定販売 - venda limitada
• です - is

この商品は売り切れてしまいました。

Kono shouhin wa urikirete shimaimashita

Este produto está esgotado.

Este produto foi esgotado.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 売り切れてしまいました - Esgotado / Vendido completamente

この商品はよく売れる。

Kono shouhin wa yoku ureru

Este produto vende bem.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• よく - Muito, frequentemente
• 売れる - Vender, ser vendido

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

Não é fácil obter este produto.

• 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 - não é fácil