🇯🇵 How to say

“to buy” in Japanese

買うかう
Illustration of "to buy" in a Japanese cultural setting
A person is standing in a store, holding a shopping basket filled with groceries. They are looking at the cash register, ready to buy their items. The atmosphere is busy, with other shoppers around, all focused on making their purchases.

Usage note

The verb 買う (かう) is used when you want to talk about purchasing something. It's a very common word in shopping contexts, whether for food, books, or clothing.

Examples

  • りんごを買う

    to buy an apple

  • 本を買う

    to buy a book

  • 服を買う

    to buy clothes

Quick check

What does "買う" mean?

  • A. to buy
  • B. to eat
  • C. to listen
  • D. to sleep

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