Translation guide
The English phrase "sell out" has two main meanings: to sell all of something (inventory) and to betray one's principles for personal gain. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both.
To express that a product, tickets, or items are completely sold and no longer available.
The concert tickets sold out in minutes. · I'm sorry, we're sold out of that item. · They sold out their entire stock.
To describe someone who compromises their integrity, values, or original supporters for money, fame, or success.
He used to be an indie artist, but he sold out and now makes commercial pop. · Don't sell out your friends for a promotion. · She felt like she was selling out by taking that corporate job.
Literally 'to sell one's soul'. A direct and common metaphor for selling out, especially in artistic or moral contexts.
彼は成功のために魂を売った。
He sold his soul for success.
Do not use 売り切れる or 完売 for the metaphorical meaning. These only refer to inventory. For betrayal, use expressions like 魂を売る or 信念を曲げる.
売り切れる is an intransitive verb used in everyday conversation. 完売 is a noun/suru-verb often used in formal announcements or signs. Both mean 'sold out', but 完売 sounds more official.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be sold out'. Used when the subject is the item itself. Very common and natural.
そのチケットはもう売り切れました。
Those tickets have already sold out.
新商品はすぐに売り切れた。
The new product sold out quickly.
Transitive verb meaning 'to sell out (of something)'. Used when the seller is the subject. Often used in business contexts.
私たちはその商品を完売しました。
We sold out of that product.
Noun/suru-verb meaning 'sell-out' or 'sold out'. Often seen on signs or in announcements. More formal than 売り切れる.
本日のチケットは完売いたしました。
Today's tickets are sold out. (polite announcement)
完売御礼
Thank you for selling out (often on posters/signs)
Noun meaning 'out of stock'. Used for products in stores or online. Not typically used for tickets or events.
すみません、その商品は品切れです。
Sorry, that item is out of stock.
Transitive verb meaning 'to sell out completely' or 'to exhaust inventory'. Emphasizes selling every last item.
在庫をすべて売り尽くした。
We sold out all our inventory.
あのバンドは魂を売ってポップスターになった。
That band sold out and became pop stars.
Literally 'to bend one's beliefs'. Implies compromising principles, often for external pressure or gain.
彼は金のために信念を曲げた。
He sold out his beliefs for money.
Literally 'to sell one's body'. Can mean prostitution, but metaphorically it means selling oneself out, often in a degrading way.
Can be misinterpreted as literal prostitution. Use with care.
彼は大企業に身を売った。
He sold himself to a big corporation.
Means 'lacking integrity/principles'. Describes a person who easily changes loyalties or values for personal benefit.
彼は節操がなくて、すぐに寝返る。
He has no integrity and sells out quickly.