Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'commodity' is expressed through several words that distinguish between everyday goods, trade products, and primary resources. The most common and versatile term is 商品, which covers most general uses. For raw materials or bulk goods, 物資 is used, while 産物 emphasizes regional or natural products. 必需品 refers to daily necessities, and 日用品 specifically to household goods. The choice depends on context: commercial, logistical, or everyday life.
The most common meaning: any item that is bought and sold, from consumer goods to merchandise.
The standard word for 'commodity' in the sense of a product or article of trade. It is neutral and widely used in business and everyday contexts.
This store deals in high-quality commodities.
A more casual term for goods or articles, often used in daily conversation. It can sound less formal than 商品.
Refers to commodities as basic resources, supplies, or materials, often in large quantities for industry or aid.
Used for goods, supplies, or materials, especially in contexts like relief supplies, military provisions, or economic resources. It emphasizes the material aspect rather than commercial value.
Highlights commodities as products of a particular region or natural environment, often with a sense of specialty.
Refers to commodities that are essential for everyday life, often mass-produced and consumed regularly.
Used in formal or economic contexts to refer to commodities as objects of trade, often in bulk or on markets.
Oil is a valuable commodity.
Use 商品 for general trade goods; 資源 if emphasizing natural resources.
A new commodity will be released next week.
この品物はどこで買えますか？
Where can I buy this commodity?
Relief commodities were delivered to the disaster area.
Securing strategic commodities is important.
Means 'resources' and can be used for natural commodities like oil or minerals. It is broader than just trade goods.
Natural resources are important commodities.
Refers to products or produce of a region, including agricultural and manufactured goods. Often used in compounds like 特産物 (specialty product).
The main commodity of this region is rice.
Marine commodities are abundant.
Specifically means 'specialty product' or 'local commodity', often used for souvenirs or regional goods.
The specialty commodity of this village is handmade pottery.
Means 'necessities' or 'essential goods'. It emphasizes the indispensable nature of the commodity.
Water is a daily commodity.
Refers to 'daily necessities' or 'household goods', such as soap, detergent, etc. It is more specific to consumer goods used in the home.
I went to the drugstore to buy household commodities.
As above, 商品 is also the standard term in economics for a commodity. It is used in phrases like 商品市場 (commodity market).
Commodity futures trading is high-risk.
An economic term for 'goods' or 'commodities', often used in academic or technical contexts. It is rarely used alone in everyday speech.
Public commodities may not be supplied by the market.
year-end gift items
The loanword コモディティ is understood in financial contexts (e.g., commodity trading) but sounds unnatural in everyday Japanese. Stick to native terms unless you are specifically discussing financial markets.
The country exports agricultural commodities.
農産物 (agricultural products) is more natural than a direct translation of 'commodity'.