Translation guide
The English verb 'procure' means to obtain something, often with effort or through formal processes. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is being obtained and the context. Common equivalents include 調達する (for supplies/goods), 入手する (for acquiring items, often with effort), and 手に入れる (a more casual 'get one's hands on'). For formal or legal contexts, 取得する is used. Note that direct translation is often unnatural; Japanese prefers specific verbs based on the object.
To acquire materials, equipment, or products, often for an organization or project.
procure raw materials · procure office supplies · procure inventory
The standard term for procuring goods, materials, or funds in a business or logistical context. Implies a systematic process.
必要な資材を調達する。
Procure the necessary materials.
新しいオフィス用の家具を調達した。
We procured furniture for the new office.
Used for procuring goods for resale, like a shop stocking inventory. Common in retail.
Means 'to secure' resources, often with a nuance of ensuring availability. Used for supplies, budget, personnel.
プロジェクトのための予算を確保する。
Secure (procure) the budget for the project.
To get something that is difficult to find or requires effort, like a rare item or a specific product.
procure a rare stamp · procure tickets to the concert · procure a copy of the book
General term for obtaining something, often with a nuance of effort or difficulty. Suitable for both tangible and intangible items.
限定版のフィギュアを入手した。
I procured a limited edition figurine.
To raise or secure money for a purpose.
procure funding · procure investment · procure a loan
The standard term for raising funds, capital, or financing.
新事業のための資金を調達する。
Procure funds for the new venture.
To acquire official documents, permits, or legal rights through application or procedure.
procure a passport · procure a permit · procure a license
To obtain something illegal or morally questionable, often acting as an intermediary.
procure drugs · procure a prostitute
Means to act as an intermediary to procure something, often used in contexts like procuring prostitutes or illegal goods. Has a formal tone but negative connotation in such contexts.
This word is neutral in business (e.g., job placement) but can imply illegal procurement in certain contexts. Use with care.
English 'procure' is often used in formal or business contexts, but Japanese prefers specific verbs depending on the object. Using a generic equivalent like 入手する for everything can sound unnatural. Match the verb to the context: 調達する for supplies, 取得する for documents, etc.
調達する is for systematic procurement of goods/funds (business). 入手する is for obtaining items with effort, often formal or written. 手に入れる is casual and personal, like 'get one's hands on'. Use 手に入れる in everyday conversation.
建設のためにもっと資材を調達する必要がある。
We need to procure more materials for the construction.
彼女はなんとかその小説のサイン入りを入手した。
She managed to procure a signed copy of the novel.
この店は海外からワインを仕入れている。
This store procures wine from overseas.
It's information that is hard to procure.
A more casual and common way to say 'get one's hands on' something. Implies personal effort or desire.
どうしてもその本を手に入れたい。
I really want to procure that book.
彼は苦労してチケットを手に入れた。
He went through a lot of trouble to procure the tickets.
Literally 'to find', but often used when the act of finding is the main challenge in procuring something.
やっとあのレコードを見つけた。
I finally procured (found) that record.
Means 'to collect' or 'gather' money, often from multiple sources. More casual than 調達する.
寄付金を集める。
Procure donations.
Specifically means to procure a loan or financing from a bank.
銀行から融資を受ける。
Procure a loan from the bank.
I procured a driver's license.
Means 'to go through the procedures' to obtain something. Often used when the process is emphasized.
許可を得るための手続きをする。
Go through the procedures to procure permission.
He was arrested on suspicion of procuring prostitutes.
Means 'to arrange for' something, often used for procuring illegal items or services in criminal contexts.
彼は麻薬を手配した。
He procured drugs.
私はチケットを手に入れた。
I procured tickets.
確保する is useful when the emphasis is on securing something for future use or ensuring availability, like budget, personnel, or supplies. It's common in project planning.
How did you procure such a rare item?
私はチケットを手に入れた。
I procured tickets.
確保する is useful when the emphasis is on securing something for future use or ensuring availability, like budget, personnel, or supplies. It's common in project planning.