Translation and Meaning of: 買う - kau

If you are learning Japanese, you have certainly come across the verb 買う (かう, kau). This simple yet essential word means "to buy" and frequently appears in everyday Japanese. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and even some tips to memorize it more easily. Additionally, we will understand how this verb fits into Japanese culture and why it is so important for those who wish to master the language.

The meaning and use of 買う in everyday Japanese

The verb 買う is one of the first that Japanese students learn, precisely because of its usefulness in everyday situations. Whether in a convenience store, at a market, or even in informal conversations, knowing how to use 買う is essential. It can be applied to both physical objects, such as clothes and electronics, and intangible items, such as ideas or arguments.

An interesting curiosity is that, although 買う is often translated as "to buy," it can also take on a broader meaning in certain contexts. For example, in the expression リスクを買う (risuku o kau), it means "to take on a risk." This type of usage shows how the Japanese language often goes beyond literal translation.

The writing and structure of the kanji 買

The kanji 買 is composed of the radical 貝 (kaigara, which means "shell" and historically represented money) combined with the radical 罒 (ammai, a net). This combination suggests the idea of "exchanging money for something," which makes perfect sense for the meaning of the verb. Studying the composition of kanji can help with memorization, especially for beginners learning Japanese.

It is worth noting that 買う is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For example, in the past form, it becomes 買った (katta), and in the negative form, 買わない (kawanai). Knowing how to conjugate correctly is essential for forming coherent sentences.

Tips for memorizing and using 買う naturally

An effective way to memorize the verb 買う is to associate it with real-life situations. Imagine yourself in a store in Japan, asking これを買いたいです (kore o kaitai desu – "I want to buy this"). The more you practice in practical contexts, the more natural its use will become. Apps like Anki can also help, especially if you create flashcards with everyday phrases.

Another useful tip is to pay attention while listening to dialogues in animes, dramas, or podcasts. Often, 買う appears in conversations about shopping, gifts, or even in idiomatic expressions. By getting used to its pronunciation and use in different situations, you will be better prepared to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

購入する (Kounyuu suru) - Make a purchase of something.
仕入れる (Shiireru) - Acquire products for resale.
手に入れる (Te ni ireru) - Get something in general, possibly in situations like gifts.
獲得する (Kakutoku suru) - To conquer or gain something, usually related to goals or rewards.
申し込む (Moushikomu) - Subscribe or request something, usually services.
買い付ける (Kaitsukeru) - Buying in bulk, usually for resellers.
購買する (Kouba suru) - Make the acquisition of a item, similar to buying.
買い込む (Kaikomu) - Stocking up or buying in bulk for personal use.
買い取る (Kaitoru) - Buy something served, usually used in contexts of selling used items.
買い求める (Kaimotomeru) - Search and buy, emphasizing the act of seeking.
買い揃える (Kaisoroeru) - Buy items to complete a set.
買い出す (Kaidasu) - Go out to buy something specific or in quantity.
買い漁る (Kaiagasu) - Shopping excessively, like a "shopping escape."
買い物する (Kaimono suru) - Generate general purchases as a daily activity.
買い足す (Kaitasu) - Add to stock or complete what is missing.
買い取りする (Kaitori suru) - Buy items for resale, similar to "kaitoru".
買い替える (Kikaeru) - Exchange an old item for a new one.

Related words

怒り

ikari

anger; hate

住

jyuu

living; living

買う

Romaji: kau
Kana: かう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: buy

Meaning in English: to buy

Definition: Get goods or services by paying money.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (買う) kau

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (買う) kau:

Example Sentences - (買う) kau

See below some example sentences:

売店でお土産を買いました。

Baiten de omiyage wo kaimashita

I bought souvenirs at the souvenir shop.

I bought a souvenir at the stall.

売店 - Souvenir shop
で - in
お土産 - souvenir
を - object particle
買いました - I bought

八百屋で新鮮な野菜を買いました。

Yao ya de shinsen na yasai wo kaimashita

I bought fresh vegetables at the vegetable store.

I bought fresh vegetables in a green one.

八百屋 (yaoya) - vegetable store
で (de) - in
新鮮な (shinsenna) - fresco
野菜 (yasai) - vegetables
を (wo) - direct object
買いました (kaimashita) - bought

代理店で商品を買いました。

Dairiten de shouhin wo kaimashita

I bought a product in the representation store.

I bought a product at an agency.

代理店 (dairiten) - means "agency" or "representative", it is a company that acts as an intermediary between the manufacturer and the end consumer.
で (de) - is a particle that indicates the place where something happened, in this case, the purchase of the product at the agency.
商品 (shouhin) - means "product" or "merchandise".
を (wo) - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, the product that was purchased.
買いました (kaimashita) - is the past form of the verb "buy".

五つのりんごを買いました。

Gotsu no ringo wo kaimashita

I bought five apples.

五つの - five
りんご - apples
を - object particle
買いました - I bought

下着を買いに行きます。

Shitagi wo kai ni ikimasu

I will buy underwear.

下着 (したぎ) - underwear
を - direct object particle
買い (かい) - buy
に - target particle
行きます (いきます) - Go

インクを買いに行きます。

Inku wo kai ni ikimasu

I'm going to buy paint.

インク (ink) - Noun that means ink in Japanese.
を (wo) - Object particle that indicates that the previous noun is the object of the action.
買い (kai) - Noun that means purchase in Japanese.
に (ni) - Destination particle indicating the place where the action is being directed
行きます (ikimasu) - Verb that means to go in Japanese, conjugated in the present affirmative

ステレオを買いました。

Sutereo wo kaimashita

I bought a stereo.

I bought a sound system.