Translation guide
The act of purchasing something. In Japanese, the most common way to express 'buying' is with the verb 買う (kau). However, depending on context, other verbs like 購入する (kounyuu suru) for formal situations or 買い物 (kaimono) for shopping may be more appropriate.
To buy something in everyday conversation.
The standard verb for 'to buy'. Used in casual and polite speech.
昨日、新しい本を買った。
I bought a new book yesterday.
Where did you buy that?
Formal verb for 'to purchase'. Common in business, official documents, or when speaking politely about a significant purchase.
We purchased the new product.
Noun meaning 'shopping'. Often used with する to mean 'to go shopping' or 'to do shopping'.
I'm going shopping today.
To refer to the act of shopping, browsing, or purchasing goods, often for pleasure.
To express purchasing in a business, legal, or technical context.
To express buying something as a gift or on behalf of someone.
買う is the everyday verb for 'to buy'. 購入する is more formal and often used in business or official contexts. Using 購入する in casual conversation can sound stiff.
I bought a rice ball at the convenience store.
Our company purchased a new system.
Learners sometimes use 購入する in everyday speech to sound more polite, but it can come across as overly formal. Stick to 買う for daily conversation.
I'm thinking of buying a car.
Buying a house is a big decision.
I enjoyed shopping.
海外での買い付けを行っています。
We are doing purchasing overseas.
My mother bought me clothes.