開封
kaifū
The Japanese word for unboxing is 開封 (kaifū).
While it literally means opening a seal, 開封 is the standard term used for the 'unboxing' of products in a commercial or hobbyist context.
Meaning: removal of something from its box (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the characters 開 (to open) and 封 (seal or package).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to an 'unboxing video' as seen on platforms like YouTube, you add 動画 (dōga, meaning video) to the end to make 開封動画.
How do you pronounce it?
kaifū
Did you know?
- When collectors unbox a highly anticipated or rare item, they often call it 開封の儀 (kaifū no gi), which translates to the 'unboxing ceremony'. This elevates a simple act into a ritualized event.
- In Japanese culture, the way one handles the packaging during 開封 is often seen as a reflection of their respect for the item and the maker.
- While 開封 is the standard term, tech fans often use the katakana loanword アンボキシング. This specific word is used to signal that they are participating in a global internet trend rather than just opening a package.
Examples in context
- 最新商品を開封する動画を見ました。I watched a video of unboxing the latest product.
- 新製品の商品開封レビューを読みました。I read a review of unboxing the new product.
- 開封の儀を始めます。kaifū no gi o hajimemasu.I will begin the unboxing ceremony.
- 開封時にご注意ください。kaifū ji ni go-chūi kudasai.Please be careful when unboxing.
Example conversation
陽太 and 美咲 are watching a video on a smartphone.
- 陽太 Yotaこの動画、開封のシーンが面白いね。kono dōga, kaifū no shīn ga omoshiroi ne.The unboxing scene in this video is interesting, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね。陽太くんもこれ欲しくなった？hontō da ne. Yōta-kun mo kore hoshiku natta?It really is. Did you want this one too, Yota?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、開封するのが楽しみになる動画だよ。un, kaifū suru no ga tanoshimi ni naru dōga da yo.Yeah, it's the kind of video that makes you look forward to unboxing.
- 美咲 Misaki美咲も、新しいガジェットの開封動画が大好き。Misaki mo, atarashii gajetto no kaifū dōga ga daisuki.Misaki also loves unboxing videos of new gadgets.
