Translation guide
A person who is buying things, typically in a store or market. Japanese has several words depending on context, but often the role is implied by the situation.
Referring to someone who is currently shopping or is a customer
Describing someone who enjoys shopping or shops frequently
Referring to someone hired to shop for others or evaluate service
Direct loanword for 'personal shopper'. Used in fashion and luxury retail.
Directly translating 'shopper' as ショッパー is not always natural. Use 買い物客 or 客 unless you specifically mean a personal shopper or are in a marketing context.
In many situations, Japanese simply uses 客 (customer) or even omits the subject when it's clear from context. For example, 'The shoppers were happy' can be お客さんは喜んでいた (おきゃくさんは よろこんでいた).
Standard term for a shopper, literally 'buying-things customer'. Used in news, signs, and general descriptions.
Many shoppers were waiting for the sale.
General word for 'customer' or 'guest'. In context, it implies a shopper. Very common and natural.
That shopper left without buying anything.
Formal term for 'purchaser' or 'buyer'. Used in business or economic contexts, not everyday conversation.
The number of online shoppers is increasing.
She's a shopper and is always at the mall on weekends.
Loanword from English. Often used in marketing or fashion contexts, or to sound trendy. Not as common in daily speech.
This area is popular with young shoppers.
She works as a personal shopper.
Loanword for 'mystery shopper', someone who evaluates service quality secretly.
A mystery shopper checked the customer service.