Translation guide
A greengrocer is a shop or person that sells fresh fruits and vegetables. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific shop names, general terms for produce sellers, or descriptions of the role.
greengrocer (shop)
greengrocer (person)
The learner wants to refer to a store that specializes in fresh produce.
The standard word for a greengrocer shop. It literally means '800 shop', historically implying a store that sells many things, but now specifically a fruit and vegetable shop.
I bought fresh vegetables at the local greengrocer.
A more formal term for a fruit and vegetable shop, often used in signs or business names.
A new greengrocer opened in front of the station.
Literally 'fruit shop', this can be used for a shop that primarily sells fruit, but may also sell vegetables. Less common than 八百屋.
That fruit shop always has fresh fruit.
The learner wants to refer to the person running or working in such a shop.
Adding さん to 八百屋 refers to the greengrocer as a person, often the shop owner. It's friendly and common in conversation.
The greengrocer gave me a little extra.
A formal term for a fruit and vegetable merchant, often used in business contexts.
Literally 'vegetable seller', this can refer to a person selling vegetables, but it's less specific and can sound a bit old-fashioned or informal.
八百屋 is the most common and natural way to refer to a greengrocer in everyday Japanese. It can mean both the shop and the person, but context usually makes it clear. Adding さん makes it explicitly about the person.
八百屋 is casual and traditional, while 青果店 is more formal and often used in business names or written descriptions. In conversation, 八百屋 is preferred.
He works as a greengrocer at the market.
A vegetable seller was calling out on the street.