Translation guide
In Japanese, 'imported goods' is commonly expressed with the noun 輸入品 (yunyūhin). The concept can also be conveyed using the verb 輸入する (yunyū suru) in relative clauses, or with the term 舶来品 (hakuraihin) for a slightly older or more literary nuance. This guide covers the most natural ways to refer to imported products in various contexts.
The most common and neutral way to refer to imported goods in Japanese.
This is the standard, neutral noun for 'imported goods'. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, and is appropriate for most situations.
This store carries many imported goods.
The prices of imported goods have risen.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'imported products'. It uses the passive form of 輸入する and is slightly more formal or explanatory.
Imported goods are subject to customs duties.
A somewhat dated or literary term for imported goods, often carrying a nuance of foreign luxury or exoticism. It is less common in everyday conversation but may appear in writing or historical contexts.
In the Meiji era, imported goods were highly prized.
When you want to describe an item as imported, rather than using a noun.
Using 輸入の before a noun is a common way to say 'imported [item]'. It is slightly more casual than 輸入された.
Imported wine is expensive.
That store sells imported furniture.
This pattern uses the passive form of the verb and is slightly more formal or emphatic than 輸入の.
Are imported foods safe?
Sometimes 'imported goods' is used loosely to mean 'foreign-made goods'. In Japanese, 外国製 (gaikokusei) or 海外製 (kaigaisei) can be used, though they emphasize origin rather than import status.
Means 'foreign-made products'. It focuses on the manufacturing origin rather than the import process. Often used interchangeably with 輸入品 in casual contexts.
Some people think foreign-made goods are of better quality.
Similar to 外国製品, meaning 'overseas products'. Slightly more common in marketing contexts.
輸入品 is the standard modern term for imported goods. 舶来品 is an older word that can sound nostalgic or literary. It is not commonly used in everyday speech today, but you may encounter it in historical contexts or when someone wants to evoke a sense of exoticism.
You can attach 輸入 directly to some nouns to form compound words, such as 輸入車 (imported car), 輸入食品 (imported food), or 輸入品 (imported goods). This is a very productive pattern.
Demand for overseas products is increasing.