売る

§ What does 売る (uru) mean and when do people use it?

The Japanese verb 売る (uru) directly translates to "to sell" in English. It's a fundamental verb you'll encounter frequently, whether you're talking about businesses, individuals, or even abstract concepts. Think of it as the counterpart to 買う (kau), which means "to buy."

DEFINITION

To exchange goods or services for money; to make something available for purchase.

You use 売る (uru) in many everyday situations. For example, if a store sells clothes, you'd use 売る (uru). If a person sells their old car, you'd use 売る (uru). It's not limited to physical objects; you can also talk about selling services or even your skills. For instance, a company might sell its technology, or an artist might sell their artwork.

Here are some common contexts where 売る (uru) is used:

• Retail and Commerce: This is the most straightforward use. Any business that offers products for purchase uses 売る (uru) to describe their activity.
• Personal Transactions: When an individual sells something they own, like a used item or a handmade craft.
• Services: Companies and individuals who provide services for a fee also use 売る (uru) to describe their work. Think of a consultant selling their expertise or a developer selling their software.
• Figurative Language: Sometimes, 売る (uru) can be used in a more figurative sense, like "selling a story" or "selling an idea," though this is less common than its literal meaning.

Let's look at some examples to help solidify your understanding.

Understanding 売る (uru) is essential for basic communication in Japanese, especially when talking about shopping, business, or personal transactions. Pay attention to the particles used with it, particularly を (o) for the direct object (what is being sold).

§ Understanding 「売る」 (Uru): To Sell

Definition

To sell; to put up for sale; to trade in something.

The verb 「売る」 (uru) is a fundamental term for anyone learning Japanese. It means 'to sell.' You'll hear this word constantly in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal business discussions. Let's break down where and how you'll encounter it in everyday Japanese.

§ 「売る」 in Work and Business

In a work or business setting, 「売る」 is obviously crucial. If you're involved in sales, marketing, or any kind of commerce, you'll use this word frequently. It's straightforward and applies to selling almost anything.

Watashitachi wa atarashii seihin o utteimasu. (We are selling a new product.)

Kono kaisha wa ie o utteimasu. (This company sells houses.)

§ 「売る」 in Daily Life and Shopping

When you're out and about, especially shopping, you'll hear 「売る」 or its related forms all the time. Shops 'sell' goods, and people 'sell' things at flea markets or online.

Kono mise de wa shinsen na sakana o utteimasu. (This store sells fresh fish.)

Furuhon o intānetto de uru koto ga dekimasu. (You can sell used books on the internet.)

§ 「売る」 in News and Media

In news reports, especially those related to economics, trade, or business, 「売る」 is a common verb. It's used to describe companies selling assets, countries selling resources, or even popular items selling quickly.

Sono kaisha wa kabu o baikyaku suru yotei desu. (That company plans to sell its shares.)

Note: While 「売却」 (baikyaku) specifically means 'to sell off/dispose of,' it's closely related to 「売る」 and often seen in news contexts when discussing major sales or divestments.

Kono gēmu-ki wa tobu yō ni ureteimasu. (This game console is selling like hotcakes. / Lit. It's selling as if flying.)

§ Common Phrases with 「売る」

• 商売する (shōbai suru): To do business; to sell goods. While not directly using 「売る」, it's a related concept.

• 売り切れ (urikire): Sold out. You'll see this sign often!

• 売れ残り (urenokori): Unsold goods; leftovers.

Mastering 「売る」 and its various forms will significantly improve your ability to talk about commerce and daily transactions in Japanese. Pay attention to how it's used in different situations, and you'll quickly become comfortable with it.

§ Understanding 売る (uru)

売る (uru) is a fundamental Japanese verb meaning 'to sell'. It's used in a wide range of contexts, from selling everyday items to selling a business or an idea. As an A2 level verb, it's essential for basic communication related to commerce and transactions.

When you want to express the act of selling something, 売る is your go-to word. It's a versatile verb that doesn't carry many extra nuances beyond the core meaning of exchanging goods or services for money.

§ Basic Usage Examples

Hint

This shop sells books.

Hint

He sold his old car.

§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives

While 売る (uru) is the primary verb for 'to sell', it's good to be aware of other verbs that might seem similar but have different nuances or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most appropriate word.

• 販売する (hanbai suru): This is a more formal and often more commercial term for 'to sell' or 'to market'. It's frequently used in business contexts, referring to the sales activities of a company or a professional seller. You'll see it in product descriptions, sales reports, and formal announcements.

  新製品を販売しています。

  Hint

  We are selling new products (or 'marketing new products').

  Use 販売する when the context is more formal, business-oriented, or when emphasizing the act of putting something on the market for sale.

• 商う (akinau): This verb also means 'to sell' but often implies engaging in trade, commerce, or running a business. It has a slightly more traditional or archaic feel compared to 売る, and you might encounter it in older texts or specific regional dialects. It encompasses the broader idea of doing business, not just a single transaction.

  彼は代々この地で商っている。

  Hint

  He has been trading in this area for generations.

  While both 売る and 商う relate to selling, 商う focuses on the ongoing activity of trading or doing business, whereas 売る is about the specific act of selling an item.

• 流通させる (ryūtsū saseru): This phrase means 'to circulate' or 'to distribute' and can sometimes be related to selling, especially in the context of getting products into the market. It's not a direct synonym for 'to sell' but describes the process leading to sales.

  商品を全国に流通させる。

  Hint

  To distribute products nationwide.

  Use this when the focus is on the logistics and movement of goods rather than the individual sales transaction.

In summary, stick with 売る for most everyday situations when you simply mean 'to sell'. Use 販売する for more formal or business-related sales, and be aware of 商う and 流通させる for their specific, broader connotations in trade and distribution, respectively.