The suffix -sei indicates the origin or material of a manufactured product.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates the place of manufacture for a product.
- Describes the material something is made of.
- Used as a suffix attached to nouns.
一般的な文脈：日常生活では家電製品や衣類のタグ、食品の原産地表示などで頻繁に見かけます。ビジネスの場では、商品のスペックや品質を説明する際に不可欠な表現です。
- 1類似語との比較：「～産」は主に農産物や海産物など、自然の恵みとしての生産地を指す場合に適しています。一方、「～製」は工業製品や加工品など、人の手によって製造されたものに対して使用される傾向が強いです。
Examples
このカメラは日本製です。
everydayThis camera is made in Japan.
これは高品質な革製のバッグです。
formalThis is a high-quality leather bag.
そのおもちゃ、中国製？
informalIs that toy made in China?
本製品は最新の技術で製造されています。
academicThis product is manufactured using the latest technology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
日本製
Made in Japan
外国製
Made in a foreign country
自家製
Homemade
Often Confused With
Used for agricultural or natural products. -Sei is for manufactured goods.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The suffix -sei is neutral and fits any register. It is strictly attached to nouns indicating origin or material. Do not use it with verbs or adjectives.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use -sei for food products like 'Apple-sei', which is incorrect. Use -san for agricultural items instead. Also, avoid adding it to non-material nouns.
Tips
Think of it as Made-in
Treat -sei as the suffix version of 'made in'. It helps you identify where items come from instantly.
Do not use for natural items
Avoid using -sei for fruits or vegetables, as 'san' is more appropriate for harvested goods.
Quality perception in Japan
In Japan, '日本製' (Made in Japan) is often associated with high quality and reliability.
Word Origin
The kanji 製 (sei) originally refers to cutting and shaping materials. It evolved to represent the act of manufacturing or producing items.
Cultural Context
The label '日本製' is a mark of trust in Japan. It implies durability and precision in manufacturing processes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Sei' as 'Say'. If you want to say where something is 'made', you 'say' the origin + 'sei'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「日本製」は日本で製造された工業製品に使われます。一方、「日本産」は日本で採れた農産物や海産物に使われることが多いです。
いいえ、主に生産地や素材を示す名詞に使われます。動詞や形容詞には付けられません。
はい、その通りです。素材が木であることを示しており、家具や食器などでよく使われます。
標準的で中立的な表現です。日常会話からビジネス文書まで幅広く使用できます。
Test Yourself
この時計はスイス___です。
工業製品の生産国を示す場合は「製」を使います。
プラスチック___
素材＋製で「～で作られたもの」という意味になります。
（机 / 木製 / です / この）
「この机は木製です」が正しい文法です。
Score: /3
Summary
The suffix -sei indicates the origin or material of a manufactured product.
- Indicates the place of manufacture for a product.
- Describes the material something is made of.
- Used as a suffix attached to nouns.
Think of it as Made-in
Treat -sei as the suffix version of 'made in'. It helps you identify where items come from instantly.
Do not use for natural items
Avoid using -sei for fruits or vegetables, as 'san' is more appropriate for harvested goods.
Quality perception in Japan
In Japan, '日本製' (Made in Japan) is often associated with high quality and reliability.
Examples
4 of 4このカメラは日本製です。
This camera is made in Japan.
これは高品質な革製のバッグです。
This is a high-quality leather bag.
そのおもちゃ、中国製？
Is that toy made in China?
本製品は最新の技術で製造されています。
This product is manufactured using the latest technology.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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異常
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～について
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〜について
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～ぐらい
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ぐらい
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ごろ
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うえ
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絶対
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絶対に
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