Are you planning a trip to Japan or studying the language? One of the essential phrases to learn is ‘to buy.’ Knowing how to express this concept in Japanese can enhance your shopping experiences and interactions with locals. In this section, we will explore various ways to say ‘to buy’ in Japanese. By the end of this section, you’ll have a better understanding of common phrases and translations that can be useful in everyday conversations.
Learning how to say ‘to buy’ in Japanese starts with understanding the language and its unique characteristics. Let’s dive into the different ways you can express purchasing in Japanese.
Understanding the Japanese Word for ‘To Buy’
If you want to master the concept of ‘to buy’ in Japanese, it’s essential to start with the correct word. In Japanese, the most common verb for ‘to buy’ is 買う (kau).
When pronouncing ‘kau,’ remember that the ‘u’ at the end is silent. Instead, it’s a short vowel sound like the ‘u’ in ‘put.’ The correct pronunciation is ‘kah.’
It’s important to note that Japanese has different levels of politeness and honorifics, and the language used when discussing purchases is no exception. To show respect, it’s customary to add the honorific お (o) before 買い (kai). The resulting word is お買い（okai).
For example, if you want to say “I want to buy a book” politely, you can say: 本をお 買い したいです。(Hon o okai shitai desu.)
Additionally, there are other verbs and phrases that can express the idea of ‘to buy’ in Japanese, such as:
| Japanese | English Translation |
|---|---|
| 購入する (kounyuu suru) | to purchase |
| 買い入れる (kaiire ru) | to stock up on |
| 手に入れる (te ni ireru) | to get ahold of |
While it’s not necessary to learn all of these variations, it’s helpful to be aware of them in case you come across them in conversation.
Politeness Levels
When speaking with strangers, or those who are older or more senior in the workplace, it’s essential to use the appropriate level of politeness. In such situations, it is best to use the more polite form, お買い（okai).
In contrast, when speaking with friends or family members, you can use the less formal 買う (kau) without the honorific ‘o.’ This will create a more casual and relaxed tone in your conversation.
Overall, the most important thing to remember when expressing the concept of ‘to buy’ in Japanese is to use the correct word and honorifics to convey the appropriate level of politeness in a given situation.
Expressing the Act of Buying in Japanese
Now that you have a basic understanding of the Japanese word for ‘to buy,’ let’s explore some common phrases and expressions used to communicate the act of buying in Japanese.
To say ‘I want to buy’ in Japanese, you can use the phrase ‘kaimasu.’ This can be used in various situations, from expressing a desire to purchase something to making a specific request for an item. For example, if you are in a store and want to purchase a t-shirt, you can say ‘T-shatsu wo kaimasu.’
If you want to specify the quantity of an item you wish to buy, you can use the phrase ‘kai-nin’ followed by the number. For example, ‘Nan-nin kaimasu ka?’ means ‘how many do you want to buy?’ and you can respond with ‘San-nin kaimasu’ meaning ‘I want to buy three.’
Using ‘ikura’ for Asking About Prices
When it comes to inquiring about prices, you can use the word ‘ikura’ when asking ‘how much does it cost?’ Another common phrase is ‘Kore wa ikura desu ka?’ which means ‘how much is this?’
In some situations, the price of an item may not be clearly marked, or there may be variations in price depending on the size or quantity being purchased. In such cases, it is important to use appropriate honorifics and politeness levels when expressing your inquiry. For example, you could say ‘Sumimasen, kore wa ikura desu ka?’ meaning ‘Excuse me, how much is this?’ while bowing politely.
When it comes to paying for your purchase, you can use the phrase ‘Okaikei onegaishimasu’ to ask for the bill or to indicate that you are ready to pay. This phrase is often used at restaurants and cafes but can be used in various other contexts as well.
Overall, when buying something in Japan, it is important to be polite and use appropriate language to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstanding. Practice these phrases and expressions, and you’ll be able to navigate purchasing situations like a pro.
How to Request Assistance While Shopping in Japanese
When shopping in Japan, it is common to seek assistance from store staff. Knowing how to express your needs and understand their responses is essential for a successful shopping experience. Here are some phrases that can help:
| Japanese Phrase | English Translation |
|---|---|
| お手伝いできますか？ | Can I help you? |
| これはいくらですか？ | How much does this cost? |
| これを買いたいのですが。 | I would like to buy this. |
It is important to use polite language when requesting assistance in Japan. The phrase “お手伝いできますか？” (Can I help you?) is a polite way to ask for help. When discussing purchases, it is also important to use the appropriate honorifics, such as “お” (o-) or “ご” (go-) to show respect.
Additionally, it is essential to understand the Japanese word for purchasing, which is “購入” (kounyuu). This word can be used in phrases such as “私はこれを購入したいです” (I want to purchase this).
Key Takeaways
- Polite language should be used when requesting assistance in Japan.
- The Japanese word for purchasing is “購入” (kounyuu).
- Honorifics should be used when discussing purchases to show respect.
Additional Tips for Effective Communication in Japanese
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say ‘to buy’ in Japanese and express the act of purchasing, there are a few additional tips that can help you communicate more effectively.
Cultural Considerations
When communicating in Japanese, it’s important to be mindful of cultural differences and customs. In Japan, for example, bowing is a common way to show respect and gratitude, especially when greeting someone or expressing thanks for a purchase. It’s also considered polite to use honorifics, such as “-san,” when addressing others.
Furthering Your Learning
While this guide covers some of the basics of communicating about purchasing in Japanese, there’s always more to learn. Consider taking a language course or finding language exchange partners to practice with. Online resources like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone can also be helpful for building your language skills.
Using the Correct Terminology
To express the concept of purchasing in Japanese, it’s important to use the correct terminology. The Japanese word for purchasing is “shouhi” (消費) and can be used in a variety of contexts. When expressing the act of purchasing something specific, you can use phrases like “kore o kaimasu” (これを買います) to say “I will buy this” or “kore wa ikura desu ka?” (これはいくらですか？) to ask “How much does this cost?”
By following these tips and continuing to practice and learn, you can become increasingly confident and proficient in communicating about purchasing and other topics in Japanese.
FAQ
Q: How do I say ‘to buy’ in Japanese?
A: The Japanese word for ‘to buy’ is “kau” (購う). Pronounced as “ka-oo”.
Q: Are there any honorifics or politeness levels to consider when discussing purchases in Japanese?
A: Yes, it is important to use appropriate honorifics and politeness levels when discussing purchases in Japanese. For example, adding the honorific “o” (お) before the word for ‘to buy’ can show respect, resulting in “okau” (お買う).
Q: Can you provide examples of phrases for expressing the act of buying in Japanese?
A: Certainly! Here are some common phrases:
– “I want to buy” – “kaitai desu” (買いたいです)
– “I am buying” – “katteimasu” (買っています)
– “I bought” – “katteimashita” (買っていました)
– “I will buy” – “katteimasu” (買っています)
Q: What are some phrases I can use to seek assistance or make inquiries while shopping in Japan?
A: When seeking assistance while shopping, you can use phrases like:
– “Can I help you?” – “O-tetsudai shimashouka?” (お手伝いしましょうか？)
– “How much does it cost?” – “Ikuradesu ka?” (いくらですか？)
Q: Are there any additional tips for effective communication in Japanese?
A: Yes, here are a few tips:
– Bowing is an important cultural gesture in Japan, so be sure to bow when greeting or showing gratitude.
– Practice regularly and use resources like language learning apps or classes to improve your skills.
– Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette when interacting with locals.