用品

• Reading: ようひん
• Romaji: youhin
• Kanji breakdown: 用 (you) — use, purpose; 品 (hin) — goods, articles
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɯ.hiɴ/

Meaning

Articles; supplies; goods. Items needed for a particular purpose or activity.

A noun referring to items or supplies used for a specific purpose. Almost always appears as a compound: 事務用品 (office supplies), 日用品 (daily necessities), スポーツ用品 (sports equipment), 学用品 (school supplies). Rarely used alone — the preceding word specifies what kind of supplies. A practical, everyday word frequently seen in shops, catalogues, and daily life.

Examples

1. 事務用品はまとめて注文した方が安い。 It's cheaper to order office supplies in bulk.
2. キャンプ用品を揃えるのにお金がかかった。 Getting all the camping gear together cost a lot.
3. 日用品は駅前のドラッグストアで買っている。 I buy daily necessities at the drugstore near the station.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, daily life, business, activities

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 用 (you, use/purpose) + 品 (hin, goods/articles). Together: 'goods for use' — items intended for a specific purpose.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal