Translation guide
The English word 'product' covers a wide range of meanings, from manufactured goods to mathematical results. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what kind of 'product' you mean.
A physical item that is made and sold, often in a commercial context.
The most common and general term for a manufactured product. Used for industrial goods, electronics, etc.
This product is made in Japan.
There will be a new product launch event next week.
Emphasizes the item as merchandise or a commercial good, often in a retail context.
This store carries high-quality products.
A more general term for goods or articles, often used in everyday conversation. Less formal than 製品.
Here is the product you purchased.
Something that is produced as a result of an activity, effort, or natural process.
Often used for products of nature, history, or a particular environment. Can be literal or figurative.
The specialty product of this region is apples.
Means 'result' or 'outcome'. Use when 'product' means the consequence of an action.
A formal, literary term for something produced, often used in academic or philosophical contexts.
The result of multiplying numbers or expressions.
The standard mathematical term for the product of multiplication.
The product of 3 and 5 is 15.
A cream, lotion, or similar item applied to the skin or hair.
製品 (seihin) emphasizes the manufacturing aspect, 商品 (shōhin) emphasizes the commercial/retail aspect, and 品物 (shinamono) is a casual, general term for goods. Use 製品 for industrial products, 商品 for items in a store, and 品物 in everyday conversation.
When 'product' means 'result of a process', do not use 製品. Instead, use 産物 (sanbutsu) for natural/cultural products, or 結果 (kekka) for outcomes. Using 製品 in these contexts sounds unnatural.
This is our best-selling product.
The product of their labor was a beautiful garden.
That custom is a product of a long history.
This success is the product of teamwork.
This artwork is the product of his anguish.
This skincare product can be used even on sensitive skin.