Translation guide
The act of buying something, typically in a formal or transactional context. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 購入 (こうにゅう), but the verb 買う (かう) is more casual and widely used. The choice depends on formality and whether it's a noun or verb.
Expressing the action of buying an item, service, or ticket.
The most common and versatile verb for 'to buy'. Used in everyday conversation for most purchases.
昨日、新しい靴を買った。
I bought new shoes yesterday.
Let's buy some rice balls at the convenience store.
A more formal verb, often used in business, online shopping, or when discussing purchases as transactions. Sounds stiff in casual chat.
I purchased tickets online.
We are considering purchasing the new product.
Literary or formal expression meaning 'to seek out and buy'. Rare in speech; found in novels or formal writing.
He purchased a rare old book.
Referring to the purchase as an event or transaction.
The standard noun for 'purchase'. Used in receipts, confirmations, and formal contexts.
Thank you for your purchase.
Means 'shopping' or 'purchase' in a general sense. Often used for daily shopping trips, not for a single formal transaction.
Formal noun used in business contexts, like 'procurement' or 'purchasing department'. Not for everyday use.
Specifically for buying tickets, subscriptions, or items through a system.
Emphasizing the acquisition aspect, often in legal or business contexts.
Means 'acquire' or 'obtain', often used for assets, qualifications, or data. Not a direct synonym for everyday buying.
The company purchased (acquired) the land.
Specifically means 'buy out' or 'acquire' a company. Not for buying goods.
The large corporation purchased (acquired) the startup.
買う is the everyday verb for 'buy'. 購入する is formal and often used in written Japanese, business, or when referring to the transaction itself. Use 買う with friends; use 購入する in emails or official contexts.
Ask a friend 'What did you buy yesterday?'
Guide a customer with 'Purchase here'.
English often uses 'purchase' as a noun (e.g., 'Thank you for your purchase'), but in Japanese, 購入 is the direct equivalent. However, in casual speech, 買い物 (shopping) or simply the verb form is more natural. Avoid literal translation of every 'purchase' noun.
That was a good purchase! (natural)
I made a purchase online.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Check purchase history.
今日は買い物に行く。
I'm going shopping today.
I made a big purchase.
購買部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the purchasing department.
You can buy tickets on the app.