Things and kinds with 物
物 refers broadly to “any entity that humans can perceive as an object”, encompassing not only physical objects but also matters, concepts, and even human characteristics.
Etymology
This kanji is a phono-semantic compound. It combines 牛 (cow) with 勿 as the sound element, originally referring to a cow with mixed or mottled coloring. Over time, it shifted from a specific visible creature to the broader idea of “various things”.
Goods
荷物 (Luggage)
荷物 primarily refers to items to be carried or transported, such as bags, or it can mean a burden or a nuisance.
It combines 荷 (load) with 物 (thing) to show a load of things.
After Cocoa suggests if she were saying at Chiya’s place rather than Chino’s, that she’s be working for Chiya’s family’s tea house, Chiya takes to the idea.
- 千夜:
- 「じゃあ部屋を空けておくから早速荷物をまとめて来てね」
- “Then I'll clear out a room in advance, so go gather your things and come right away.”
- ココア:
- 「誰か止めてよ！」
- “Somebody stop her!”
Life Forms
動物 (Animal)
動物 refers to any living organism that possesses sensory and motor abilities and relies on other organisms for sustenance. It often refers to mammals, birds, reptiles, and other creatures other than humans.
It combines 動 (move) with 物 (thing) to show a moving living thing.
Chino is fascinated by the rabbit at a rival tea shop, but she keeps her distance.
- ココア:
- 「触らないの？」
- “You're not going to touch it?”
- リゼ:
- 「チノはティッピー以外の動物が懐かないらしい」
- “It seems that animals other than Tippy don't warm up to Chino.”
らしい indicates Rize is reporting something she heard or observed, rather than stating it as a confirmed fact.
Materials
毒物 (Poisonous substance)
毒物 is a general term for substances that adversely affect the vital functions of living organisms and cause health hazards or pose a threat to life.
It combines 毒 (poison) with 物 (thing) to show a poisonous thing.
Inspector Megure suggests the murder suspect committed suicide by drowning himself. The medical examiner suggests otherwise.
- 監察医:
- 「ですが死因は溺死ではありません…」
- “However, drowning wasn't the cause of death...”
- 目暮:
- 「え？」
- “What?”
- 監察医:
- 「解剖してみないと断定できませんが… おそらく毒物を飲んだあと池に入ったものと…」
- “I can't say for certain without an autopsy... but it's likely he took poison and then entered the pond...”