現物

• Reading: げんぶつ
• Romaji: genbutsu
• Kanji breakdown: 現 (gen) — present, actual, current; 物 (butsu/mono) — thing, goods, object
• Pronunciation: /ɡem.bɯ.tsɯ/

Meaning

Actual goods; spot commodity; the physical item itself, as opposed to a contract or certificate representing it.

Used in commodity markets and commerce to distinguish physical goods (現物) from derivatives, futures, or paper contracts. 現物取引 refers to spot trading, where delivery and payment occur immediately, contrasting with 先物 (futures), where the transaction is settled at a future date. In everyday usage, 現物 can mean the actual object as opposed to a copy or photograph.

Examples

1. 金の現物を購入して手元で保管する投資家も少なくない。 There are quite a few investors who purchase physical gold and store it themselves.
2. 現物取引では契約締結後すぐに商品の受け渡しが行われる。 In spot transactions, the delivery of goods takes place immediately after the contract is concluded.
3. 写真と実際の現物を比較したところ、色味が大きく異なっていた。 When we compared the photo with the actual item, the color was significantly different.

Usage Guide

Context: commodity trading, finance, retail, investment

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 現 (gen, present/actual/existing) and 物 (butsu/mono, thing/goods). Together they mean the thing as it actually and physically exists, rather than as represented symbolically or contractually.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Business/Finance