Translation and Meaning of: 品 - shina

The Japanese word 品[しな] is a versatile term with many nuances, present both in everyday life and in more formal contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and practical use can enrich your vocabulary and even your perception of Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to cultural curiosities involving this word.

In addition to uncovering what 品 means, we will see how it appears in common expressions and how the Japanese use it in daily life. If you are looking to memorize the term or apply it in sentences, we have also gathered useful tips based on reliable sources. All of this is to help you use 品 naturally, whether in conversations or in more in-depth studies of the language.

Meaning and translation of 品

In its simplest form, 品[しな] can be translated as "item," "product," or "item." In a commercial context, it is common to hear phrases like "この品は高いですか?" (Is this item expensive?). However, its meaning goes beyond the material. The word also carries connotations such as "quality" or "class," especially when referring to something refined or elegant.

Another interesting use of 品 is in the expression 品がある [しながある], which describes someone or something with "class" or "dignity." This duality between the concrete (object) and the abstract (quality) makes the word quite flexible. It is worth noting that, although it has meanings close to "thing" or "commodity," 品 is not interchangeable with like 物 [もの] in all contexts.

Origin and writing of the kanji 品

The kanji 品 is composed of three squares (口), which represent mouths or containers. One theory suggests that this repetition symbolizes the idea of "classification" or "evaluation," as in the past, products were sorted into categories. This origin reflects well the modern use of the word, which is often associated with organized or qualified items.

It is worth noting that 品 is also one of the most consistent kanjis in of readings. Although there are alternative readings like ほん (in words such as 物品[ぶっぴん]), the pronunciation しな is the most common in everyday use. This makes it easier to memorize, especially for beginner students who are still getting familiar with the multiple readings of the kanjis.

Cultural usage and common expressions

In Japan, 品 is not limited to physical objects. The word is deeply connected to the notion of refinement, appearing in compliments such as 品が良い[しながいい] (to have good class). This cultural aspect is important as it shows how the Japanese language associates material characteristics with social values. An expensive wine, for example, can be described as 品のあるワイン (a classy wine).

Another useful expression is 品揃え[しなぞろえ], used in stores to refer to "variety of products." If you have ever entered a depaato (Japanese department store), you have probably seen signs with phrases like "Our store has a wide variety of items." These uses show how 品 is rooted in both commerce and the perception of value.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 物品 (buppin) - Object or item in general.
  • 製品 (seihin) - Manufactured product.
  • 商品 (shouhin) - Commercialized product.
  • 品物 (shinmono) - Item, thing, or merchandise.
  • 品質 (hinshitsu) - Product quality.
  • 品揃え (shinazore) - Variety of products available.
  • 品目 (hinmoku) - Item or category of products.
  • 品種 (hinshu) - Variety or type of products.
  • 品位 (hin'i) - Level of quality or dignity.
  • 品格 (hinkaku) - Character or dignity of a product.

Related words

用品

youhin

Articles; Supplies; parts

洋品店

youhinten

Shop that deals in western style clothing and accessories

薬品

yakuhin

Medicine (s); Chemicals (s)

部品

buhin

parts; accessories

品質

hinshitsu

quality

品種

hinshu

brand; type; description

必需品

hitsujyuhin

needs; necessary article; requirement; essential

日用品

nichiyouhin

daily needs

手品

tejina

Hand trick; conjure trick; magic; jugglery

製品

seihin

manufactured products; finished products

Romaji: shina
Kana: しな
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: thing; article; assets; dignity; Article (goods); ant for meal courses

Meaning in English: thing;article;goods;dignity;article (goods);counter for meal courses

Definition: goods and products.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (品) shina

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (品) shina:

Example Sentences - (品) shina

See below some example sentences:

必需品は旅行に行くときに必要です。

Hitsuyouhin wa ryokou ni iku toki ni hitsuyou desu

Essential items are needed when traveling.

Necessary items are needed when traveling.

  • 必需品 - means "essential items" in Japanese
  • は - Japanese topic particle
  • 旅行 - means "journey" in Japanese
  • に - destination particle in Japanese
  • 行く - means "to go" in Japanese
  • ときに - means "when" in Japanese
  • 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese
  • です - polite way of "being" in Japanese
手頃な価格の商品を探しています。

tegoro na kakaku no shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I am looking for affordable products.

I'm looking for affordable products.

  • 手頃な - affordable, reasonable
  • 価格 - price
  • の - particle indicating possession or connection
  • 商品 - product, merchandise
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 探しています - searching
本物の品質を持つ製品が欲しいです。

Honmono no hinshitsu wo motsu seihin ga hoshii desu

I want a product with real quality.

  • 本物の品質を持つ - genuine quality
  • 製品 - product
  • 欲しい - wish
  • です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)
梅干は日本の伝統的な保存食品です。

Umeboshi wa Nihon no dentōteki na hozon shokuhin desu

Umeboshi is a traditional preserved Japanese food.

  • 梅干 - umeboshi, a Japanese pickled plum
  • は - Topic particle
  • 日本 - Japan
  • の - Possession particle
  • 伝統的な - Traditional
  • 保存食品 - preserved food
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
私は貴重品を銀行に預けるつもりです。

Watashi wa kichouhin wo ginkou ni azukeru tsumori desu

I intend to deposit valuables in the bank.

I intend to leave valuables in the bank.

  • 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 貴重品 (kichouhin) - noun that means "valuable goods" or "objects of value"
  • を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 銀行 (ginkou) - noun that means "bank"
  • に (ni) - particle that indicates the destination or location of the action
  • 預ける (azukeru) - verb that means "to deposit" or "to trust"
  • つもり (tsumori) - expression that indicates the intention or plan to do something
  • です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of the sentence
私はあなたの貴重品を預かります。

Watashi wa anata no kichouhin wo azukari masu

I will take care of your value objects.

I will keep your objects of value.

  • 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • あなた - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
  • の - possessive particle that indicates that something belongs to someone
  • 貴重品 - Japanese noun that means "valuable object"
  • を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
  • 預かります - Japanese verb that means "to receive in deposit"
私の作品はまだ未完成です。

Watashi no sakuhin wa mada mikansei desu

My work is not yet complete.

My work is still unfinished.

  • 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
  • の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
  • 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
  • は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
  • まだ - adverb that means "still" or "for now"
  • 未完成 - noun meaning "incomplete" or "unfinished"
  • です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is an affirmative statement
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
私たちは多くの製品を取り扱うことができます。

Watashitachi wa ōku no seihin o toriatsukau koto ga dekimasu

We can handle many products.

  • 私たちは - 「私たち」
  • 多くの - Many
  • 製品 - "Products" in Japanese.
  • を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
  • 取り扱う - "Lidar com" or "Manusear" in Japanese
  • ことができます - Expression meaning "to be able to" in Japanese
腐敗した食品は食べない方がいいです。

Fuhai shita shokuhin wa tabenai hou ga ii desu

It is better not to eat rotten food.

  • 腐敗した - "estragado" significa "腐った" em japonês.
  • 食品 - means "food" in Japanese
  • は - Japanese topic particle
  • 食べない - means "do not eat" in Japanese
  • 方がいいです - It means "it's better" in Japanese.

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

品