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:

この商品は好評です。

Kono shouhin wa kouhyou desu

Este produto é bem avaliado.

Este produto é popular.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 好評 - Popularidade
• 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

Existem muitos tipos de produtos nesta loja.

• この店には - indica o local onde os produtos estão disponíveis
• たくさんの - significa "muitos" ou "muitas"
• 種類の - refere-se aos tipos de produtos disponíveis
• 商品が - significa "produtos"
• あります - é o verbo "existir" na forma educada

その商品は値打ちがある。

sono shouhin wa nedachi ga aru

Esse produto tem um valor significativo.

O produto vale a pena.

• その商品 - essa mercadoria
• は - Topic particle
• 値打ち - valor, mérito
• が - subject particle
• ある - existir, ter

価格と品質が釣り合う商品を探しています。

Kakaku to hinshitsu ga tsuriau shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are in balance.

I'm looking for a product where price and quality are balanced.

• 価格 - (preço)
• と - (e)
• 品質 - (qualidade)
• が - (subject particle)
• 釣り合う - (equilibrar)
• 商品 - (produto)
• を - (direct object particle)
• 探しています - (procurando)

公認された商品は信頼できる。

Kōnin sareta shōhin wa shinrai dekiru

Os produtos certificados são confiáveis.

• 公認された - reconhecido oficialmente
• 商品 - product
• は - Topic particle
• 信頼できる - confiável

各種商品が揃っています。

Kakushu shouhin ga sorotte imasu

Several products are available.

• 各種 - Several types
• 商品 - Produtos
• が - Subject particle
• 揃っています - They are complete/they are available

商人は商売をする人です。

Shounin wa shoubai wo suru hito desu

Um comerciante é uma pessoa que faz negócios.

O comerciante é uma pessoa de negócios.

• 商人 - significa "comerciante" em japonês.
• は - topic particle in Japanese.
• 商売 - significa "negócio" em japonês.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• する - verbo "fazer" em japonês.
• 人 - significa "pessoa" em japonês.
• です - verbo "ser" em japonês, usado para indicar estado ou qualidade.

商社は日本のビジネスに欠かせない存在です。

Shōsha wa Nihon no bijinesu ni kakasenai sonzai desu

Trading companies are indispensable for Japanese business.

• 商社 - Empresa comercial
• は - Topic particle
• 日本の - From Japan
• ビジネス - business
• に - target particle
• 欠かせない - indispensable
• 存在 - existence
• です - Verb "to be"