Translation and Meaning of: 売り出し - uridashi

If you have encountered the Japanese word 売り出し (うりだし) in stores or advertisements, you may have been curious about its meaning and use. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents in everyday Japan, from its literal translation to how it appears in commercial contexts. Additionally, we will understand its origin, frequency of use, and tips for memorizing it effectively. If you are learning Japanese or just interested in the culture of the country, this guide will clarify your questions.

The term 売り出し means "sale" or "launch" in English.

The word 売り出し (うりだし) is composed of the kanji 売 (to sell) and 出 (to go out, to launch). Together, they form a term that can be translated as "sale launch" or "initial promotion." In Japan, it is commonly used in shops and supermarkets to indicate newly arrived products or those on limited-time offer. Unlike simple discounts, 売り出し often implies that the product is being highlighted for the first time.

A practical example is when a department store announces a new model of electronics with a special price in the first weeks. In this case, you will see posters or tags with 売り出し to attract customers" attention. This expression can also appear in phrases like "新商品売り出し中" (shinshōhin uridashi-chū), which means "new product on launch".

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 売り出し is linked to traditional Japanese commerce, where merchants enthusiastically announced new or seasonal products. Over time, the word became established in commercial vocabulary and came to be associated not only with launches but also with marketing strategies. In Japan, it is common to see this expression in flyers, shop windows, and even on TV programs that promote sales.

Culturally, the concept of 売り出し reflects the importance that Japanese people place on novelty and timing. Many stores take advantage of specific dates, such as the beginning of the seasons or local festivals, to promote items with this designation. If you have visited Japan during "hatsu-uri" (first sale of the year), you noticed how the term gains even more relevance during these periods.

How to memorize and use 売り出し

To remember this word, a tip is to associate the kanjis that compose it with everyday situations. The character 売 (to sell) appears in other words like 売店 (baiten, small shop) and 販売 (hanbai, sale), while 出 is used in terms such as 出発 (shuppatsu, departure). Thinking of "something that went out to sell" can help recall the meaning.

If you want to practice, try creating sentences like "このデパートで売り出しの商品を買った" (I bought discounted products at this department store). Another way to reinforce learning is to write down the word when you see it in advertisements or Japanese websites. At Suki Nihongo, you can find real usage examples to expand your vocabulary in a contextualized way.

Mastering terms like 売り出し not only enriches your Japanese but also enhances shopping experiences in Japan. Now that you know its meaning and usage, why not keep an eye out for this expression the next time you read an advertisement in Japanese?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

販売開始 (Hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales
発売 (Hatsubai) - Launch (general, including products)
リリース (Rirīsu) - Release, especially of software or media
販売開始日 (Hanbai kaishi bi) - Start date of sales
販売開始予定 (Hanbai kaishi yotei) - Planning the start of sales
販売開始時期 (Hanbai kaishi jiki) - Start of sales period
新発売 (Shin hatsubai) - New product launch
新商品発売 (Shin shouhin hatsubai) - Launch of new products
新商品販売開始 (Shin shouhin hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new products
新製品発売 (Shin seihin hatsubai) - Launch of new products (focusing on new models or versions)
新製品販売開始 (Shin seihin hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new models or versions
新作発売 (Shin saku hatsubai) - New release (of works, such as movies or books)
新作販売開始 (Shin saku hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new works
新商品リリース (Shin shouhin rirīsu) - Release of new products (focusing on the promotional format)
新製品リリース (Shin seihin rirīsu) - Release of new models or versions
新作リリース (Shin saku rirīsu) - Release of new works
新商品の発売 (Shin shouhin no hatsubai) - Launch of new products (emphasis on the sales process)
新製品の発売 (Shin seihin no hatsubai) - Launch of new models or versions (emphasis on the sales process)
新作の発売 (Shin saku no hatsubai) - Release of new works (emphasis on the sales process)
新商品の販売開始 (Shin shouhin no hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new products (emphasis on the sales process)
新製品の販売開始 (Shin seihin no hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new models or versions (emphasis on the sales process)
新作の販売開始 (Shin saku no hanbai kaishi) - Start of sales for new works (emphasis on the sales process)