These words come up in Lesson 2: Asking Questions in a Shop and Lesson 3: Checking Stock & Restocks.
美品 (bihin)
Meaning: An item in beautiful/excellent condition — a used-goods grading term.
Example: この商品は美品です。
Kono shōhin wa bihin desu.
"This item is in excellent condition."
Usage: A grading label on secondhand goods, above "good" condition — looks almost new.
新品 (shinpin)
Meaning: Brand new.
Example: 新品と中古、どちらがいいですか？
Shinpin to chūko, dochira ga ii desu ka?
"Which is better, new or used?"
Usage: The opposite of 中古 (chūko, "used") — a core distinction at any shop selling both.
開封済み (kaifū-zumi)
Meaning: Already opened — the box or packaging has been opened.
Example: これは開封済みです。
Kore wa kaifū-zumi desu.
"This one has already been opened."
Usage: Important for figure/box collectors — the opposite is 未開封 (mikaifū, "unopened"), which is usually worth more.
傷 (kizu)
Meaning: Scratch / flaw / damage.
Example: ここに小さい傷があります。
Koko ni chiisai kizu ga arimasu.
"There is a small scratch here." (staff pointing out a flaw before you buy)
Usage: Staff are often required to point out any 傷 before selling secondhand goods — listen for this word.
絶版 (zeppan)
Meaning: Out of print / discontinued.
Example: このフィギュアは絶版です。
Kono figyua wa zeppan desu.
"This figure is out of production."
Usage: Common for older/rare figures and books no longer manufactured — expect higher secondhand prices.
Quick Check
Q1. What does 美品 (bihin) mean on a secondhand item's label?
A. "In excellent/beautiful condition."
Q2. What is the opposite of 中古 (chūko, "used")?
A. 新品 (shinpin, "brand new").
Q3. What does 未開封 (mikaifū) mean, and why does it matter to collectors?
A. "Unopened" — unopened boxes are usually valued higher by collectors.
Q4. If a staff member points at an item and says 傷があります (kizu ga arimasu), what are they telling you?
A. That there is a scratch/flaw/damage on the item.
Q5. What does 絶版 (zeppan) mean, and what does it usually mean for the price?
A. "Out of print/discontinued" — it usually means the secondhand price is higher.