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:

私たちは農場で新鮮な野菜を育てています。

Watashitachi wa nōjō de shinsen na yasai o sodatete imasu

We are cultivating fresh vegetables on the farm.

We cultivate fresh vegetables on the farm.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 農場で - "On the farm" in Japanese
• 新鮮な - "Fresh" in Japanese
• 野菜を - "Vegetables" in Japanese
• 育てています - "We are cultivating" in Japanese

私たちは常に新しい挑戦に挑むことが大切です。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni atarashii chōsen ni idomu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to always face new challenges.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 新しい - New
• 挑戦 - challenges
• に - For
• 挑む - face
• こと - things
• が - are
• 大切 - Importantes
• です - are

私たちは毎日新鮮な野菜を採っています。

Watashitachi wa mainichi shinsen na yasai o toratte imasu

We reap fresh vegetables every day.

We chose fresh vegetables every day.

• 私たちは - We
• 毎日 - every day
• 新鮮な - Frescoes
• 野菜を - vegetables
• 採っています - We collect

私たちは明日新しい町を訪れます。

Watashitachi wa ashita atarashii machi o otozuremasu

We're going to visit a new city tomorrow.

We're visiting a new city tomorrow.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 明日 - adverb "tomorrow"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• 町 - noun "city"
• を - direct object particle
• 訪れます - verb "to visit" conjugated in the present/future

私たちは新製品を売り出す予定です。

Watashitachi wa shinseihin o uridasu yotei desu

We plan to sell new products.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 新製品 - noun "new product"
• を - direct object particle
• 売り出す - verb "to sell" in the infinitive
• 予定 - "Flat" noun
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私たちは新しい家を建てる予定です。

Watashitachi wa atarashii ie o tateru yotei desu

We plan to build a new home.

We planned to build a new home.

• 私たちは - "We" in Japanese.
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese.
• 家 - "Casa" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 建てる - "Construir" in Japanese.
• 予定 - "Plan" or "Scheduling" in Japanese.
• です - polite form of "to be" or "to stay" in Japanese.

私たちは新しい社員を雇う必要があります。

Watashitachi wa atarashii shain o yatou hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to hire a new employee.

We need to hire new employees.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• 社員 - "Employee" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 雇う - "Contratar" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "We need" in Japanese

私たちは新しい住まいを探しています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii sumai o sagashiteimasu

We are looking for a new home.

We are looking for a new home.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• 住まい - "House" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 探しています - "We are looking" in Japanese

私たちは新しいアイデアを受け入れる準備ができています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii aidea o ukeire suru junbi ga dekite imasu

We are ready to accept new ideas.

We are ready to accept new ideas.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• アイデア - noun "idea"
• を - direct object particle
• 受け入れる - verb "to accept, to receive"
• 準備 - noun "preparation, readiness"
• が - subject particle
• できています - verb "to be ready, to be prepared" conjugated in the present progressive

私の部門は新しいプロジェクトに取り組んでいます。

Watashi no bumon wa atarashii purojekuto ni torikunde imasu

My department is working on a new project.

• 私の部門 - "Watashi no bumon" means "my department" in Japanese.
• は - "wa" is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 新しい - "atarashii" means "new" in Japanese.
• プロジェクト - "purojekuto" is a word in Japanese that means "project".
• に - "ni" is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or target of an action.
• 取り組んでいます - "torikundeimasu" is a verbal form in Japanese that means "we are working hard."