1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “品” (pronounced “hin” or “shina”) generally means “goods,” “quality,” or “item.” It is often used to refer to products or things that have value or merit.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “品” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “品” which represents “items” or “goods.” The character itself can be seen as a combination of three “口” (kuchi), which means “mouth,” symbolizing the idea of items being presented or discussed.
Radical: The radical for “品” is “品” itself, which is used in various other kanji related to goods and quality.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “品” are:
- 商品 (shōhin) – merchandise, goods
- 品質 (hinshitsu) – quality
- 品物 (shinamono) – items, goods
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この商品はとても品質が良いです。 (Kono shōhin wa totemo hinshitsu ga yoi desu.) – This product has very good quality.
- 新しい品物が入荷しました。 (Atarashii shinamono ga nyūkashimashita.) – New items have arrived.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “材” (zai), which means “material” or “timber.” While both relate to items, “品” emphasizes the quality or value of goods, whereas “材” focuses on the substance or material aspect.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be “無” (mu), meaning “none” or “without,” which contrasts with the idea of having items or goods.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “品” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, where the quality of goods is highly valued. This is reflected in traditional crafts and modern consumer products alike.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “品格を保つ” (hinkaku o tamotsu), which means “to maintain dignity or quality,” emphasizing the importance of quality in both goods and personal character.