Translation and Meaning of: 手品 - tejina

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese word 手品[てじな] means? If you have an interest in the Japanese language or magic tricks, this term has certainly come across your radar. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and cultural uses of this word, as well as practical tips for memorizing it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide accurate and useful information for students and enthusiasts of the Japanese language.

What does 手品[てじな] mean?

The word 手品[てじな] refers to magic tricks or illusionism, especially those performed with the hands. It combines the kanjis 手 (hand) and 品 (article, product), suggesting something like "hand art" or "skill of the hands." Unlike 魔法[まほう] (magic in the fantastic sense), 手品 is more related to tricks that involve dexterity and optical illusion.

In Japan, this word is commonly used to describe magic performances at shows, festivals, and even on TV programs. If you have ever watched a card or coin trick, it is very likely that a Japanese person would describe it as 手品.

The origin and cultural use of 手品

The practice of 手品 has ancient roots in Japan, with records dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when street performers entertained the public with manual tricks. Over the years, magic has become part of popular culture, appearing in traditional festivals and even in animes and mangas.

An interesting fact is that, in Japan, many famous magicians are called 手品師[てじなし], a term that highlights their professional skill. Furthermore, specialty shops selling magic items often use the word 手品 in their names, reinforcing their connection to this universe.

How to memorize and use 手品 in daily life

If you want to easily remember this word, one tip is to associate the kanjis that compose it: 手 (hand) and 品 (skill). Together, they form the idea of "manual skill," which makes perfect sense for magic tricks. Another strategy is to practice with sentences like 「手品を見せてください」("Please show me a magic trick").

It's worth remembering that 手品 is a neutral word, which can be used in both informal and formal contexts. If you are at an event or chatting with Japanese friends, don't hesitate to use it to refer to magic tricks. Now that you know its meaning and application, how about trying to learn some tricks to impress your peers?

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

魔法 (Mahō) - Magic, often associated with supernatural powers.
奇術 (Kijutsu) - Magic art, generally referring to tricks of magic or illusionism.
マジック (Majikku) - Term used in English for magic, used in informal contexts or entertainment events.