Translation and Meaning of: 見本 - mihon

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 見本 (mihon) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: mihon

Kana: みほん

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n2

見本

Translation / Meaning: sample

Meaning in English: sample

Definition: A typical example to confirm the quality or characteristics of a product or service.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (見本) mihon

The Japanese word 「見本」 (mihon) is a combination of the Kanji 「見」 and 「本」. The Kanji 「見」 means "to see" or "to watch," while 「本」 can mean "book" or "origin," depending on the context. When combined, 「見本」 refers to a "sample" or "example." It is an expression often used in the context of business and commerce, denoting the need to present something tangible for consideration before a final decision.

The origin of this expression dates back to the times when Japanese merchants used samples to demonstrate the quality of their goods. These samples served as marketing material, allowing buyers to have a clear idea of the product before purchasing it. The practice of offering a 「見本」 was already an important strategic approach to establish trust and ensure secure transactions.

In addition to the commercial context, 「見本」 has a strong presence in other aspects of Japanese daily life. Educational materials often utilize 「見本」 to show examples of questions or problems that will be addressed. Art and design books also adhere to this concept, showcasing sample versions to inspire or guide creators. In the culinary realm, many restaurants in Japan display 「見本」 of dishes at the entrance, allowing customers to visualize their options before entering.

The use of 「見本」 is a reflection of the meticulous and detail-oriented Japanese culture, where showcasing products or services in advance is seen as a sign of transparency and quality. By understanding the importance and application of 「見本」, it becomes evident how tradition and historical practices strongly influence commercial and social interactions in present-day Japan.

Synonyms and similar words

サンプル (sanpuru) - Example or sample, usually used for something that represents a whole.
デモ (demo) - Demonstration or showcase, used to show how a product works.
モデル (moderu) - Model, an example in scale or representation of something larger.
プロトタイプ (purototaipu) - Prototype, an initial version of a product for testing and evaluation.
試作品 (shisakuhin) - Test product, a item produced for evaluation before mass production.
見本 (mihon) - Sample or model, something shown as an example of a product or service.
見本市 (mihonichi) - Sample fair, an event to showcase products and services.
見本品 (mihonhin) - Sample product, a item used to represent quality and characteristics.
見本帳 (mihonchou) - Sample catalog, collection of examples for reference.
見本料理 (mihon ryouri) - Sample of dishes, gastronomic representations of a cuisine.