Translation guide
The English verb "buy" has several common Japanese equivalents, but the most general and useful is 買う (kau). However, Japanese often uses different verbs depending on what is being purchased, the formality of the situation, and whether the focus is on the transaction or the act of obtaining something.
To obtain something by paying money; the most common, everyday meaning of "buy".
The default verb for buying goods, tickets, etc. Used in casual and polite contexts.
I bought a new book yesterday.
コンビニでおにぎりを買います。
I'll buy a rice ball at the convenience store.
A more formal term, often used in business or official contexts, or for larger purchases like a house or car.
新車を購入しました。
I purchased a new car.
To pay for someone else's meal or drink, often as a friendly gesture.
Means to treat someone to a meal or drink. The person being treated is marked with に.
今日は私がおごります。
It's my treat today.
先輩にランチをおごってもらった。
My senior treated me to lunch.
To accept something as true, often used in negative or skeptical contexts.
Literally 'to buy a story', meaning to believe or accept what someone says.
彼の言い訳を簡単に買ってはいけない。
You shouldn't easily buy his excuse.
The general verb for 'believe'. Not a direct translation of 'buy', but often used in similar contexts.
その話、信じられない。
I can't buy that story.
To delay something in order to gain more time.
Literally 'to earn time', the most natural way to express 'buying time'.
彼は質問で時間を稼ごうとした。
He tried to buy time by asking questions.
To pay someone illegally or unethically to get something done.
Means to bribe or buy off someone, often used in political or business contexts.
彼は役人を買収した疑いで逮捕された。
He was arrested on suspicion of buying off an official.
Literally 'to give a bribe'. More explicit than 買収する.
賄賂を贈って契約を取った。
They bought the contract by giving a bribe.
While English can 'buy' ideas, time, or loyalty, Japanese 買う is mostly limited to physical goods or tickets. For metaphorical uses, choose the specific phrases above.
買う is everyday and covers most situations. 購入する is formal and often used in writing or for significant purchases. In casual speech, 買う is always safe.