General term for a tangible item, product, or piece of merchandise. Often used in commercial or everyday contexts.
This shop carries good articles.
There are many bargain items.
Refers to the inherent quality or grade of something, often in contrast to quantity or price.
Quality is more important than price.
This fabric is of good quality.
Almost exclusively used in the set phrase 科を作る (しなをつくる), meaning to act coquettishly or put on a flirtatious manner. Usually written in kana.
See also: 科を作る
She speaks with a coquettish air.
I don't like a flirtatious way of speaking.
This suit is of fine quality.
We ran out of stock of the popular item.
I chose the gift item for my mother.
High-end items were lined up in the store.
magic trick; sleight of hand; conjuring
various articles; various items · various kinds
menu; catalog; inventory list
evaluation; appraisal; assessment
variety of goods; number of items
assortment; product lineup; range of goods
small gift; token of appreciation · inferior goods; low-quality article
bill for goods; charge for an item
quality and shape; appearance and nature
quality; grade; nature
juggling with multiple items; tossing and catching performance · sleight of hand; magic trick
group of court workers (Yamato period) · craftsmen and artisans under the ritsuryō system
shortage of goods; scarcity of stock
stocking shelves; shelf stocking · stock person; shelf stocker
assortment; sorting; classification
triangular pattern; arrangement in a triangle