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.
この店は高品質の商品を扱っている。
This store deals in high-quality commodities.
新商品が来週発売されます。
A new commodity will be released next week.
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.
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.
商品 is the standard term for any commercial product. 品物 is more casual and often refers to physical items or goods in a non-business context. Use 商品 in formal or business settings.
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.
石油は貴重な商品です。
Oil is a valuable commodity.
Use 商品 for general trade goods; 資源 if emphasizing natural resources.
その国は農産物を輸出している。
The country exports agricultural commodities.
農産物 (agricultural products) is more natural than a direct translation of 'commodity'.
この品物はどこで買えますか？
Where can I buy this commodity?
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.
被災地に救援物資が届けられた。
Relief commodities were delivered to the disaster area.
戦略物資の確保が重要だ。
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.
天然資源は重要な商品である。
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).
この地域の主な産物は米です。
The main commodity of this region is rice.
海産物が豊富だ。
Marine commodities are abundant.
Specifically means 'specialty product' or 'local commodity', often used for souvenirs or regional goods.
この村の特産品は手作りの陶器です。
The specialty commodity of this village is handmade pottery.
Means 'necessities' or 'essential goods'. It emphasizes the indispensable nature of the commodity.
水は生活必需品だ。
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.
日用品を買いにドラッグストアに行った。
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).
商品先物取引はリスクが高い。
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.
公共財は市場で供給されないことがある。
Public commodities may not be supplied by the market.