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.
I want to purchase this.
Formal; for casual, say これ買いたい (kore kaitai).
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.
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.
Referring to the purchase as an event or transaction.
Specifically for buying tickets, subscriptions, or items through a system.
The go-to verb for online purchases, ticket reservations, and formal buying processes.
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.
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.
I made a purchase 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.
The standard noun for 'purchase'. Used in receipts, confirmations, and formal contexts.
Thank you for your purchase.
Check purchase history.
Means 'shopping' or 'purchase' in a general sense. Often used for daily shopping trips, not for a single formal transaction.
I'm going shopping today.
I made a big purchase.
Formal noun used in business contexts, like 'procurement' or 'purchasing department'. Not for everyday use.
Please contact the purchasing department.
Purchase products on the website.
Acceptable in casual contexts, but 購入する is preferred in instructions or formal interfaces.
You can buy tickets on the app.
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.
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)
Where can I purchase tickets?
She purchased a new car.
Formal/written; casual: 彼女は新車を買った。