Translation guide
A shop that sells food and household items. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is スーパー (supermarket), but there are also specialized stores and traditional shopping streets.
A large self-service store selling food, drinks, and daily necessities.
Short for スーパーマーケット. The most common and natural word for a grocery store in everyday conversation.
スーパーで買い物をした。
I went shopping at the grocery store.
近所のスーパーは24時間営業です。
The neighborhood grocery store is open 24 hours.
The full word, slightly more formal or written. Used in signs and official contexts.
あのスーパーマーケットは品揃えが豊富だ。
That supermarket has a wide selection of products.
Literally 'food store'. Can refer to a grocery store, but less common than スーパー. Often used for smaller, specialized food shops.
駅前に新しい食料品店ができた。
A new grocery store opened in front of the station.
A small, often family-run shop selling fresh produce and daily items, distinct from a large supermarket.
Originally a greengrocer, but many 八百屋 also sell other groceries. A traditional small shop.
近所の八百屋で野菜を買った。
I bought vegetables at the local grocery store.
A small general store that may sell groceries along with other household items. Old-fashioned.
A street lined with various small shops including greengrocers, fishmongers, and other food vendors, functioning as a grocery shopping destination.
A shopping street with many small stores, often including grocery shops. Not a single store, but a place where you can buy groceries.
商店街で買い物をするのが好きだ。
I like shopping at the local shopping street (for groceries).
A market, often with fresh food stalls. Can be a covered market or open-air.
A small shop open long hours selling a limited range of groceries, snacks, and daily necessities.
Short for コンビニエンスストア. While not a full grocery store, it's often used for quick grocery purchases in Japan.
コンビニで牛乳とパンを買った。
I bought milk and bread at the convenience store.
In casual conversation, スーパー is the go-to word. You can also use the verb 買い物に行く (to go shopping) without specifying the store type, as the context usually makes it clear.
ちょっとスーパーに行ってくる。
I'm going to the grocery store for a bit.
スーパー is a full grocery store with a wide range of fresh food and household items. コンビニ is a convenience store with a limited selection, open 24/7, and often used for quick purchases or ready-to-eat meals.
田舎のよろずやで缶詰を買った。
I bought canned goods at the general store in the countryside.
I went to the market early in the morning and bought fresh fish.