Translation and Meaning of: 新 - shin

The Japanese word 新 [しん] is an essential term for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. With a meaning revolving around "new" or "fresh," it appears in various contexts, from names of establishments to everyday expressions. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and most common uses of this word, as well as tips to memorize it easily.

If you've encountered terms like 新しい (atarashii) or 新聞 (shinbun), you’ve noticed that the kanji 新 is present in various words of the Japanese vocabulary. Here, we will understand how it is used, its pronunciation, and even curiosities about its application in names of stores, products, and events. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides detailed information for those who want to master this and other fundamental terms.

Meaning and use of 新 [しん]

The kanji 新 means "new" and is often used in compounds to indicate something recent, renewed, or unprecedented. It can appear alone, as in 新幹線 (shinkansen, the bullet train), or combined with other kanjis, as in 新年 (shinnen, New Year). Its most common reading is "shin," but it can also be read as "atarashii" or "ara" in certain contexts.

In everyday life, this word is widely used in commercial establishments. Restaurants, stores, and even train stations often use 新 to highlight new items, such as in 新メニュー (shin menyuu, new menu). Additionally, it appears in expressions like 新卒 (shinsotsu, newly graduated) and 新製品 (shinseihin, new product), demonstrating its versatility.

Origin and writing of the kanji 新

The kanji 新 is composed of two radicals: 斤 (kin, axe) and 辛 (karai, spicy). Originally, it represented the idea of "cutting fresh wood," which evolved into the meaning of "new." This relationship between cutting something recent and the concept of novelty is an interesting example of how kanjis carry histories in their structure.

In writing, it is important to pay attention to the order of strokes to avoid mistakes. The radical 斤 comes first, followed by 辛. Mastering the correct writing helps with memorization and recognition of kanji in different contexts. Tools like Suki Nihongo provide detailed guides to practice Japanese calligraphy.

Tips for memorizing 新 [しん]

An effective way to remember this word is to associate it with known terms that use it. For example, 新宿 (Shinjuku) is one of the most famous stations in Tokyo, and 新潟 (Niigata) is a Japanese prefecture. Creating flashcards with these words can help reinforce learning.

Another tip is to practice with everyday phrases, such as "この本は新しいですか?" (Kono hon wa atarashii desu ka?, Is this book new?). Repeating these structures in real contexts makes assimilation easier. Additionally, watching animes or dramas where the word appears is also a great way to become familiar with its natural use.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 新しい (atarashii) - New
• 新たな (aratana) - New, Fresh (emphasis on something different or renewed)
• 新規 (shinki) - New, New type (emphasis on a new record or type)
• 新設 (shinseki) - New installation (emphasis on something newly established)
• 新築 (shinchiku) - New construction (emphasis on a new building)
• 新品 (shinpin) - New product (emphasis on something that has never been used)
• 新作 (shinsaku) - New work (emphasis on artistic or entertainment works)
• 新年 (shinnen) - New Year
• 新型 (shingata) - New model (emphasis on new versions/types of products)
• 新入生 (shinnyuusei) - Freshman (new student in a school or university)

新

Romaji: shin
Kana: しん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: new

Meaning in English: new

Definition: New: Denotes something that did not exist before, was recently created, was created or has just started.

Example Sentences - (新) shin

See below some example sentences:

この新しいシステムの導入はスムーズに行われました。

Kono atarashii shisutemu no dōnyū wa sumūzu ni okonawaremashita

The introduction of this new system was carried out without any issues.

• この - this
• 新しい - new
• システム - system
• の - of
• 導入 - introduction
• は - is
• スムーズに - gently
• 行われました - was carried out

この新しい製品には多くの反響がありました。

Kono atarashii seihin ni wa ooku no hankyō ga arimashita

This new product had a lot of repercussions.

This new product got a lot of response.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here" in Japanese
• 新しい - adjective that means "new" in Japanese
• 製品 - noun that means "product" in Japanese
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or time in Japanese
• 多くの - an adjective that means "many" in Japanese
• 反響 - noun that means "reaction" or "response" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese
• ありました - verb that means "there was" or "existed" in Japanese, in the polite past

この二つの会社は合同して新しいプロジェクトを始めます。

Kono futatsu no kaisha wa gōdō shite atarashii purojekuto o hajimemasu

These two companies start a new project together.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 二つ - numeral meaning "two"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 会社 - noun meaning "company"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 合同して - compound verb meaning "to unite" or "to come together"
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 始めます - verb meaning "to begin"

この本の版は最新版です。

Kono hon no han wa saishinban desu

The version of this book is the latest version.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 版 - noun that means "edition" or "version"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 最新版 - compound noun that means "latest version"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and affirmative form

元年は新しい始まりです。

Gannen wa atarashii hajimari desu

The first year is a new beginning.

• 元年 - New Year
• は - Topic particle
• 新しい - New
• 始まり - Beginning
• です - Ser/estar (linking verb)

市場には新鮮な魚がたくさんあります。

Ichiba ni wa shinsen na sakana ga takusan arimasu

There are a lot of fresh fish on the market.

There are many fresh fish on the market.

• 市場 (ichiba) - Marketplace
• に (ni) - particle indicating place
• は (wa) - topic marker particle
• 新鮮な (shinsen na) - fresco
• 魚 (sakana) - fish
• が (ga) - subject indicator particle
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• あります (arimasu) - there are

彼は新しいアイデアを齎らした。

Kare wa atarashii aidea o hakarashta

He brought a new idea.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新しい (atarashii) - new (adjective)
• アイデア (aidea) - idea (noun)
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 齎らした (motaras(hi)ta) - brought, presented, proposed (past verb)

彼は新しい役職に任命された。

Kare wa atarashii yakushoku ni ninmei sareta

He was appointed to a new post.

He was appointed as a new position.

• 彼 (kare) - he
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新しい (atarashii) - new
• 役職 (yakushoku) - position
• に (ni) - target particle
• 任命された (ninmei sareta) - was appointed

彼は私に新しい技を仕付けた。

Kare wa watashi ni atarashii waza o shitsuketa

He taught me a new technique.

He had a new technique for me.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 私に - Japanese pronoun that means "for me"
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 技 - Japanese noun that means "technique" or "skill"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "technique".
• 仕付けた - Japanese verb that means "taught" or "trained"

新しい冒険を始めよう。

Atarashii bouken wo hajimeyou

Start a new adventure.

• 新しい - new
• 冒険 - Adventure
• を - direct object particle
• 始めよう - let's start