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.
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.
コンビニでおにぎりを買おう。
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.
オンラインでチケットを購入しました。
I purchased tickets online.
新製品の購入を検討しています。
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.
彼は珍しい古書を買い求めた。
He purchased a rare old book.
Referring to the purchase as an event or transaction.
The standard noun for 'purchase'. Used in receipts, confirmations, and formal contexts.
ご購入ありがとうございます。
Thank you for your purchase.
購入履歴を確認する。
Check purchase history.
Means 'shopping' or 'purchase' in a general sense. Often used for daily shopping trips, not for a single formal transaction.
Formal noun used in business contexts, like 'procurement' or 'purchasing department'. Not for everyday use.
Specifically for buying tickets, subscriptions, or items through a system.
The go-to verb for online purchases, ticket reservations, and formal buying processes.
ウェブサイトで商品を購入する。
Purchase products on the website.
Acceptable in casual contexts, but 購入する is preferred in instructions or formal interfaces.
アプリで切符を買えるよ。
You can buy tickets on the app.
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.
会社が土地を取得した。
The company purchased (acquired) the land.
Specifically means 'buy out' or 'acquire' a company. Not for buying goods.
大手企業がスタートアップを買収した。
The large corporation purchased (acquired) the startup.
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.
友達に「昨日何買った？」と聞く。
Ask a friend 'What did you buy yesterday?'
お客様に「ご購入はこちらから」と案内する。
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.
いい買い物したね！
That was a good purchase! (natural)
オンラインで購入しました。
I made a purchase online.
チケットはどこで購入できますか？
Where can I purchase tickets?
今日は買い物に行く。
I'm going shopping today.
大きな買い物をした。
I made a big purchase.
購買部に問い合わせてください。
Please contact the purchasing department.