Japanese word

商品券

Pronunciation

Romajishōhinken

Meaning

  • noungift certificate

Example

母に商品券をもらいました。haha ni shō hin ken o mo ra i ma shi ta

I received a gift certificate from my mother.

Illustration for 商品券 (gift certificate)

More examples

デパートで商品券を使いました。de pā to de shō hin ken o tsuka i ma shi ta

I used the gift certificate at a department store.

Core concept

Represents prepaid value that can be used to choose goods instead of receiving a specific item.

Common phrases

  • 商品券をもらうshō hin ken o mo ra u

    receive a gift certificate

  • 商品券を渡すshō hin ken o wata su

    give a gift certificate

  • 商品券を使うshō hin ken o tsuka u

    use a gift certificate

  • 商品券を贈るshō hin ken o oku ru

    give a gift certificate as a present

  • 商品券を買うshō hin ken o ka u

    buy a gift certificate

Similar words

ギフト券gifutoken: A prepaid voucher given as a gift and used to choose goods at designated stores.
ギフトカードgifutokādo: A prepaid card that can be used to choose goods at a designated store.

Definition in Japanese

商品との引き換えや商品代金の支払いに使える券。shō hin to no hi ki ka e ya shō hin dai kin no shi hara i ni tsuka e ru ken

Word origin

商品券 (shōhinken) is a Sino-Japanese compound that combines 商品 (shōhin, "goods") with 券 (ken, "ticket or certificate").

Usage tips

  • 商品券 (shōhinken) may be translated as gift certificate, but gift card is often more natural in English when the item is a plastic or electronic card.

Word lists with this word