Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'buyer' depends on context: 買い手 for general buyer in a transaction, 購入者 for a purchaser in formal or commercial settings, and バイヤー for professional buyers or retail buyers. The choice also depends on formality and the type of goods or services.
Referring to someone who buys something, often contrasted with the seller.
The most direct and common translation for 'buyer' in a general sense, especially in the context of a transaction. Often used in contrast with 売り手 (seller).
買い手が見つからない。
We can't find a buyer.
買い手市場
buyer's market
A more formal term for 'purchaser' or 'buyer', often used in business, contracts, or when referring to someone who has completed a purchase.
購入者は商品を受け取った。
The buyer received the product.
An older or less common term for 'buyer', similar to 買い手 but less frequently used in modern Japanese.
買い主が現れた。
A buyer appeared.
Referring to a person whose job is to purchase goods for a company or store.
The standard term for a professional buyer, especially in retail, fashion, or procurement. A loanword from English.
彼女は大手百貨店のバイヤーだ。
She is a buyer for a major department store.
A more descriptive term meaning 'person in charge of purchasing', used in business contexts.
仕入れ担当者が新しい商品を探している。
The buyer is looking for new products.
Referring to a buyer in a specific, often large or formal transaction.
A legal term for a buyer at an auction or foreclosure sale. Very specific and formal.
競売で買受人が決まった。
The buyer was determined at the auction.
買い手 is the most general and can be used in everyday conversation. 購入者 is more formal and often appears in written contexts like contracts or receipts. バイヤー specifically refers to a professional buyer, especially in retail or fashion industries.
While 'buyer' can sometimes be translated as 買う人 (person who buys), this is not a natural term in Japanese. Use 買い手 or 購入者 instead.