購入する
You use '購入する' when you buy something, especially in a more formal or commercial setting.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn '購入する' (kōnyū suru). It means 'to buy'. Imagine you go to the toy store. You see a cool car! You give money to the shopkeeper. You get the car. You bought the car. '購入する' is a word for 'to buy'. It is a little more formal than just 'buy'. You can use it when you buy something nice, like a new game or a special book. It’s a good word to know when you want to talk about buying things!
The Japanese verb '購入する' (kōnyū suru) means 'to purchase' or 'to buy'. It's a useful word, especially when you're talking about buying things that are a bit more important or when the situation is a little formal. For example, if you buy a new bicycle or a ticket for a concert, you can say you '購入した' (kōnyū shita - purchased). It's similar to the English word 'purchase'. While you can use the simpler verb '買う' (kau) for everyday items like snacks, '購入する' sounds a bit more official. Think of it as buying something with a plan, not just on a whim. Knowing this word helps you sound more natural when discussing shopping.
Let's explore '購入する' (kōnyū suru), which translates to 'to purchase' or 'to buy'. This verb is often used in contexts that are more formal or commercial than the everyday verb '買う' (kau). You might use '購入する' when discussing significant acquisitions like buying a car (車を購入する - kuruma o kōnyū suru), a house (家を購入する - ie o kōnyū suru), or even when a company buys equipment (備品を購入する - bihin o kōnyū suru). It implies a deliberate transaction, often involving a larger sum of money or a more structured process. Understanding the nuance between '買う' and '購入する' allows you to choose the most appropriate word depending on the situation, whether it's a casual chat or a more formal discussion about business or significant personal investments.
'購入する' (kōnyū suru) is a Japanese verb meaning 'to purchase' or 'to acquire by paying'. Its usage typically leans towards formality and commercial contexts, distinguishing it from the more general verb '買う' (kau). You'll frequently encounter '購入する' in business settings, such as when a company procures goods or services, or in descriptions of significant personal purchases like real estate or vehicles. Online shopping platforms often use this term in their transaction processes. While '買う' is suitable for casual buying, '購入する' conveys a sense of deliberate acquisition and is preferred in formal writing, news reports, and official documentation. Recognizing this register difference is key to using Japanese appropriately in various social and professional situations.
The verb '購入する' (kōnyū suru) signifies the act of purchasing or acquiring something through payment. It occupies a more formal and often commercial register compared to the ubiquitous '買う' (kau). Its application extends beyond simple transactions to encompass strategic acquisitions, business procurement, and significant personal investments like property or high-value assets. The term inherently implies a deliberate, often planned, exchange where ownership is transferred upon payment. In academic or business writing, '購入する' is the standard choice for describing the acquisition of goods, services, or even intangible assets. Understanding its nuance allows for precise communication, reflecting an awareness of context and formality in Japanese discourse.
Delving into '購入する' (kōnyū suru) reveals its role as a formal verb for 'to purchase' or 'to acquire'. Its etymological roots, stemming from Chinese characters signifying 'to buy' and 'to enter/bring in', underscore the deliberate act of acquisition. While functionally similar to '買う' (kau), '購入する' is reserved for contexts demanding formality, precision, and often a commercial or transactional weight. This includes corporate procurement, real estate transactions, and the acquisition of significant assets. Its presence in legal documents, business reports, and formal announcements highlights its elevated register. Mastery of '購入する' involves not just its meaning but also its appropriate deployment in sophisticated Japanese, distinguishing it from casual parlance and demonstrating a deep understanding of lexical nuance and socio-linguistic context.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Formal verb for 'to purchase' or 'to buy'.
- Used for significant items (cars, houses) and business transactions.
- More formal than the common verb '買う' (kau).
- Conjugates like other 'suru' verbs.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 購入する (kōnyū suru). At its heart, it means 'to purchase' or 'to buy'. While it shares a lot of ground with the more casual '買う' (kau), '購入する' often carries a slightly more formal or business-like tone. You'll see it used when talking about buying items in a shop, acquiring services, or even in more significant transactions like buying a house or a car. It’s all about the act of exchanging money for goods or services, and it's a super useful verb to have in your Japanese toolkit!
Think about it like this: if you're grabbing a quick snack from a convenience store, '買う' might be more natural. But if you're talking about a company buying new equipment, or you're making a planned purchase of a new gadget online, '購入する' often fits the bill better. It implies a deliberate act of acquisition. Mastering this word will definitely add a layer of sophistication to your Japanese vocabulary, helping you navigate various situations with confidence.
The word '購入する' is a compound verb formed from the noun '購入' (kōnyū) and the auxiliary verb 'する' (suru), which means 'to do'. The noun '購入' itself comes from Chinese characters. '購' (kō) originally meant 'to buy' or 'to purchase', and '入' (nyū) means 'to enter' or 'to put in'. So, literally, it's like 'to buy and put in' or 'to bring in by buying'.
This construction highlights the act of bringing something into one's possession through purchase. The use of '購入' instead of the simpler '買う' (kau) often signals a more official or commercial context, a distinction that has roots in how language evolves to provide nuanced expressions for different situations. Historically, such formal terms were often borrowed from or influenced by Chinese, reflecting a long-standing cultural exchange. The verb 'する' is a fundamental part of Japanese grammar, used to turn nouns and other word stems into verbs, making '購入する' a standard and versatile verb form.
So, when exactly do you whip out '購入する'? Generally, it's preferred in contexts that are a bit more formal or business-oriented. Think about situations like:
- Shopping for larger items: Buying a car (車を購入する), a house (家を購入する), or expensive electronics.
- Business transactions: A company purchasing supplies (備品を購入する) or inventory (在庫を購入する).
- Online shopping: When you complete a purchase on an e-commerce site, the confirmation might use this term.
- Formal announcements: News reports or official statements about acquisitions.
Common collocations include:
- 商品を購入する (shōhin o kōnyū suru): To purchase merchandise/goods.
- サービスを購入する (sābisu o kōnyū suru): To purchase a service.
- チケットを購入する (chiketto o kōnyū suru): To purchase a ticket.
- 中古品を購入する (chūkohin o kōnyū suru): To purchase a used item.
While '買う' (kau) is perfectly fine for most everyday buying, '購入する' adds a touch of formality and specificity, making it ideal for situations where precision and a more official tone are desired. It's less common in casual chat among close friends unless you're specifically discussing a significant purchase.
While '購入する' itself is quite direct and doesn't feature in many colorful idioms, the concept of buying and acquiring is woven into various expressions. Here are a few related ideas:
1. 買い手市場 (kaite shijō): This translates to a 'buyer's market'. It refers to a situation where there are more goods or services available than buyers, giving buyers more power to negotiate prices. It's not directly using '購入する', but it's all about the buyer's perspective.
2. 損して得取れ (son shite toku tore): Literally 'lose and gain', this proverb means that sometimes you have to take a small loss or make a seemingly disadvantageous purchase or decision in the short term to achieve a greater gain later on. It speaks to strategic buying or investment.
3. 元を取る (moto o toru): To get your money's worth; to make back the cost of something. If you purchase something expensive, you might say you want to '元を取る' by using it extensively.
4. 宝の持ち腐れ (takara no mochi gusare): This describes someone who owns something valuable (like a rare item they purchased) but doesn't use it or appreciate it properly, letting it go to waste. It's like having a treasure but letting it rot.
5. 衝動買い (shōdōgai): Impulse buying. This is the opposite of a planned purchase and uses the verb '買う' (kau). It's when you buy something spontaneously without much thought.
Let's break down the grammar and pronunciation of '購入する' (kōnyū suru). As a verb, it conjugates like any other 'suru' verb. This means it follows predictable patterns for past tense, negative, potential, etc.
Conjugations:
- Past Tense: 購入しました (kōnyū shimashita) - purchased
- Negative: 購入しない (kōnyū shinai) - do not purchase
- Te-form: 購入して (kōnyū shite) - purchasing (and...)
- Potential: 購入できる (kōnyū dekiru) - can purchase
Pronunciation:
The word is pronounced roughly as 'koh-nyoo soo-roo'.
- 購 (kō): Like the 'co' in 'co-operate', but a bit longer.
- 入 (nyū): Similar to the 'new' in 'newt', with a 'y' sound.
- す (su): Like the 'sue' in 'sue', but the 'u' is often very light or almost silent.
- る (ru): Like the 'roo' in 'rookie', but the 'r' is a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'butter'.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
- British English: /kɔːnˈjuː sʊɹuː/
- American English: /kɔːnˈjuː sʊɹuː/
(Note: The IPA for Japanese is generally consistent, but slight variations in vowel pronunciation can occur.)
Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese can be tricky due to the syllable structure. However, words ending in '-nyū suru' or similar sounds might be considered near rhymes, though this concept is less emphasized than in English.
Fun Fact
The character '購' itself has ancient roots related to buying and selling, appearing in early Chinese texts concerning commerce.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with a long 'koh' sound, followed by 'nyoo' (like 'new'), then 'soo' with a light 'u', and ends with 'roo' where the 'r' is a light flap.
Similar to UK pronunciation. The 'r' sound in 'ru' is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'nyū' as 'nu'.
- Making the 'u' sound in 'suru' too strong.
- Pronouncing the 'r' in 'ru' too heavily, like an English 'r'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Recognizable in text, especially in formal contexts.
Requires understanding of formal register.
Used appropriately in formal speech, less common casually.
Easily understood when spoken in appropriate contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-Verb Conjugation
購入する -> 購入します / 購入した / 購入しない
Using を with Transitive Verbs
本<strong>を</strong>購入する (purchase a book)
Expressing Purpose (ために)
家を購入する<strong>ために</strong>貯金している。
Examples by Level
わたしは えほんを こうにゅうします。
I / book / purchase.
します is the polite present tense of する (to do).
おもちゃを こうにゅう したいです。
Toy / purchase / want to do.
したい means 'want to do'.
これは こうにゅう しますか？
This / purchase / do?
か at the end makes it a question.
あたらしい ケータイを こうにゅうしました。
New / mobile phone / purchased.
しました is the polite past tense.
どこで こうにゅう しますか？
Where / purchase / do?
どこ means 'where'.
これは いくらで こうにゅう できますか？
This / how much / purchase / can do?
できます means 'can do'.
カードで こうにゅう できますか？
Card / purchase / can do?
カード means 'card'.
かれは くるまを こうにゅうしました。
He / car / purchased.
かれ means 'he'.
オンラインで 本を 購入しました。
Online / books / purchased.
オンライン (online) is a common loanword.
この チケットは いくらで購入できますか？
This / ticket / how much / purchase / can do?
チケット (ticket) is a loanword.
新しい パソコンを購入する 予定です。
New / personal computer / purchase / plan to do.
予定です (yotei desu) means 'plan to'.
店員さんに、この商品をどこで購入できるか聞きました。
Shop staff / this product / where / purchase / can do / asked.
店員さん (ten'in-san) means 'shop staff'.
彼は最新のスマートフォンを購入したばかりです。
He / latest / smartphone / purchased / just.
ばかり (bakari) means 'just recently'.
このソフトウェアは、会社のウェブサイトから購入できます。
This / software / company's / website / from / purchase / can do.
ソフトウェア (software) is a loanword.
週末に、家族で家具を購入しに行きました。
Weekend / with family / furniture / purchased / went.
家具 (kagu) means 'furniture'.
彼女は中古の自転車を購入して、通勤に使っています。
She / used / bicycle / purchased / commute / with / using.
中古 (chūko) means 'used' or 'second-hand'.
この美術品はオークションで高額で購入されました。
This / art piece / auction / at / high price / purchased.
高額 (kōgaku) means 'high price' or 'large amount'.
新しいビジネスを始めるために、必要な機材を購入しました。
New / business / start / in order to / necessary / equipment / purchased.
機材 (kizai) means 'equipment' or 'machinery'.
会員になると、すべての商品が割引価格で購入できます。
Member / become / all / products / discount price / at / purchase / can do.
割引価格 (waribiki kakaku) means 'discount price'.
彼は長年欲しがっていたヴィンテージギターを購入した。
He / many years / wanted / vintage guitar / purchased.
長年 (naganen) means 'for many years'.
インターネットで書籍を購入する際は、信頼できるサイトを選ぶことが重要です。
Internet / at / books / purchase / when / reliable / site / choose / important.
信頼できる (shinrai dekiru) means 'reliable'.
このプロジェクトのために、最新のソフトウェアを購入する必要がある。
This / project / for / latest / software / purchase / need to do.
プロジェクト (purojekuto) is a loanword for 'project'.
彼女は将来のために、投資用不動産を購入することを検討している。
She / future / for / investment / property / purchase / considering.
不動産 (fudōsan) means 'real estate'.
イベントのチケットは、公式サイトから購入するのが最も安全です。
Event / ticket / official site / from / purchase / safest.
公式サイト (kōshiki saito) means 'official website'.
企業は、持続可能性を考慮して原材料を購入する傾向にある。
Companies / sustainability / considering / raw materials / purchase / tendency / have.
持続可能性 (jizoku kanōsei) means 'sustainability'.
彼は長年の夢だったクラシックカーを購入し、週末にドライブを楽しんでいる。
He / many years / dream / classic car / purchased / weekend / drive / enjoying.
クラシックカー (kurashikku kā) means 'classic car'.
このデジタルアート作品は、NFTマーケットプレイスで高額で購入された。
This / digital art / work / NFT marketplace / at / high price / purchased.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a modern concept.
政府は、国民の健康増進のために新しい医療機器を購入することを決定した。
Government / citizens' / health promotion / for / new / medical equipment / purchase / decided.
医療機器 (iryō kiki) means 'medical equipment'.
オンラインでの購入が増加するにつれて、サイバーセキュリティ対策の重要性が増している。
Online / purchase / increasing / as / cybersecurity measures / importance / increasing.
サイバーセキュリティ (saibā sekyuriti) is a loanword for 'cybersecurity'.
この希少な書籍は、コレクターから非常に高値で購入されたという噂がある。
This / rare / book / collector / from / very high price / purchased / rumor.
希少な (kishō na) means 'rare'.
企業が合併や買収を行う際、しばしば無形資産の購入が含まれる。
Companies / merger / acquisition / when doing / often / intangible assets / purchase / included.
無形資産 (mukei shisan) means 'intangible assets'.
彼は、将来的な価値の上昇を見込んで、アート作品を購入し続けている。
He / future / value / increase / anticipating / art works / purchase / continuing.
見込んで (mikonde) means 'anticipating' or 'expecting'.
近年、サステナビリティへの関心の高まりから、環境負荷の少ない製品を購入する消費者が増加している。
Recent years / sustainability / interest / increase / from / environmental impact / less / products / purchase / consumers / increasing.
環境負荷 (kankyō fuka) means 'environmental burden/impact'.
そのスタートアップ企業は、革新的な技術を開発するために、最新鋭の研究設備を購入した。
That / startup company / innovative / technology / develop / in order to / state-of-the-art / research equipment / purchased.
最新鋭 (saishin'ei) means 'state-of-the-art' or 'most advanced'.
不動産投資家は、将来的な収益性を考慮し、戦略的に物件を購入していく。
Real estate investors / future / profitability / considering / strategically / properties / purchase / continue.
収益性 (shūekisei) means 'profitability'.
文化遺産の保護のため、政府は歴史的建造物を購入し、修復する計画を発表した。
Cultural heritage / protection / for / government / historical buildings / purchase / restore / plan / announced.
文化遺産 (bunka isan) means 'cultural heritage'.
デジタル化の波に乗り、多くの企業がクラウドサービスをサブスクリプションモデルで購入している。
Digitalization / wave / riding / many companies / cloud services / subscription model / purchase.
サブスクリプションモデル (sabusukuripushon moderu) is a loanword phrase for 'subscription model'.
彼は、自身のコレクションを充実させるため、世界各地から希少な骨董品を購入することに情熱を注いでいる。
He / his / collection / enrich / in order to / world / from / rare / antiques / purchase / passion / pouring.
骨董品 (kottōhin) means 'antiques'.
企業の社会的責任（CSR）の観点から、倫理的に調達された原材料を購入することが推奨されている。
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / perspective / ethically / sourced / raw materials / purchase / recommended.
倫理的に調達された (rinriteki ni chōtatsu sareta) means 'ethically sourced'.
そのアーティストは、自身の作品が投機的な目的で購入されることを望まず、真の愛好家に渡ることを願っている。
That artist / his / works / speculative / purposes / purchased / not wishing / true connoisseurs / to / pass on / hoping.
投機的な (tōkiteki na) means 'speculative'.
グローバル化が進む現代において、企業はサプライチェーン全体での人権デューデリジェンスを履行し、人権侵害に関与しないサプライヤーからのみ物品を購入することが求められている。
Globalization / progressing / modern times / in / companies / supply chain / entire / human rights due diligence / perform / human rights violations / involved / not / suppliers / only / goods / purchase / required.
デューデリジェンス (dyū derijensu) is a loanword for 'due diligence'.
彼は、単なる所有欲を満たすためではなく、芸術的価値と歴史的意義を深く理解した上で、その希少な写本を購入した。
He / mere / ownership desire / satisfy / not just / artistic value / historical significance / deeply / understanding / after / that rare / manuscript / purchased.
写本 (shahon) means 'manuscript'.
現代アート市場における投機的熱狂は、しばしば作品の本質的な価値とは乖離した価格で、アート作品が購入される状況を生み出している。
Contemporary art market / speculative frenzy / often / work's / essential value / from / detached / price / art works / purchased / situation / creating.
乖離した (kairi shita) means 'detached' or 'divergent'.
企業買収においては、対象企業の資産のみならず、その知的財産権やブランド価値といった無形資産を、将来の収益増を見込んで購入することが極めて重要となる。
Company acquisition / in / target company's / assets / not only / its / intellectual property rights / brand value / intangible assets / future / profit increase / anticipating / purchase / extremely important.
知的財産権 (chiteki zaisanken) means 'intellectual property rights'.
文化交流の促進を目的として、政府は海外の重要な芸術作品を公的機関のために購入し、展示することで国民の美的感覚を涵養しようとしている。
Cultural exchange / promotion / purpose / for / government / overseas / important / art works / public institutions / for / purchase / exhibit / by / citizens' / aesthetic sense / cultivate / trying.
涵養 (kan'yō) means 'cultivation' or 'nurturing'.
彼は、単なるコレクションの拡充を超え、その美術品が持つ歴史的文脈や芸術的革新性を深く理解した上で、所有権を購入することに意義を見出している。
He / mere / collection / expansion / beyond / that art piece / has / historical context / artistic innovation / deeply / understanding / after / ownership / purchase / meaning / finding.
意義を見出す (igi o miidasu) means 'to find meaning or significance'.
持続可能な社会の実現に向け、消費者は製品のライフサイクル全体を考慮し、環境負荷が最小限に抑えられた製品を購入するよう意識を高める必要がある。
Sustainable society / realization / towards / consumers / product's / life cycle / entire / consider / environmental impact / minimized / products / purchase / awareness / raise / need.
ライフサイクル (raifu saikuru) is a loanword for 'life cycle'.
その希少な鉱物は、特定の産業分野における不可欠な構成要素であるため、国際市場において高値で取引され、多くの企業によって戦略的に購入されている。
That rare / mineral / specific / industrial field / in / essential / component / because / international market / at high price / traded / many companies / by / strategically / purchased.
構成要素 (kōsei yōso) means 'component' or 'constituent element'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"元を取る (moto o toru)"
To get one's money's worth; to make back the cost of something through use or value.
この高価なカメラは、たくさん写真を撮って<strong>元を取る</strong>つもりだ。
neutral"買い手市場 (kaite shijō)"
A buyer's market, where supply exceeds demand, giving buyers more leverage.
不動産は今、<strong>買い手市場</strong>なので、価格交渉がしやすい。
neutral"損して得取れ (son shite toku tore)"
To take a small loss or make a seemingly bad deal now for a greater future gain.
初期投資は大きいが、長期的には<strong>損して得取れ</strong>の戦略だ。
neutral"宝の持ち腐れ (takara no mochi gusare)"
To possess something valuable but fail to use or appreciate it properly.
買ったばかりの高級な服を一度も着ていないなんて、<strong>宝の持ち腐れ</strong>だ。
neutral"衝動買い (shōdōgai)"
Impulse buying; buying something spontaneously without prior planning.
セールで安くなっていたので、<strong>衝動買い</strong>してしまった。
casual"足元を見る (ashimoto o miru)"
To take advantage of someone's difficult situation to charge them a higher price (literally 'to look at one's feet', implying seeing their vulnerability).
困っているのを知って、店主は法外な値段をふっかけてきた。<strong>足元を見られた</strong>よ。
neutral/negativeEasily Confused
Both mean 'to buy'.
'買う' is general and casual. '購入する' is more formal, often for significant or business-related purchases.
お菓子を<strong>買った</strong>。(casual) / 家を<strong>購入した</strong>。(formal)
Both involve getting something.
'購入する' specifically means to buy. '入手する' means to obtain or get, which can include buying, receiving, finding, etc.
限定品を<strong>購入した</strong>。(bought) vs. 限定品を<strong>入手した</strong>。(obtained - maybe bought, maybe received)
Both relate to acquiring items.
'購入する' is often for end-users. '調達する' is typically used by organizations or businesses to procure resources, supplies, or funds.
会社が備品を<strong>調達する</strong>。(procure equipment) vs. 個人が備品を<strong>購入する</strong>。(purchase equipment)
Both mean to get or obtain.
'購入する' means to buy. '獲得する' means to gain, win, or acquire through effort, competition, or achievement, not necessarily by paying.
賞を<strong>獲得した</strong>。(won an award) vs. 賞品を<strong>購入した</strong>。(bought a prize - less common phrasing)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 購入する
私は新しい本<strong>を購入しました</strong>。
Place + で + Noun + を + 購入する
オンライン<strong>で</strong>車<strong>を購入しました</strong>。
Purpose + の + ために + Noun + を + 購入する
プロジェクト<strong>のために</strong>、新しいソフトウェア<strong>を購入する</strong>必要があります。
Adverb + に + Noun + を + 購入する
計画的<strong>に</strong>、住宅<strong>を購入しました</strong>。
When + Verb (plain form) + 際 + は + Noun + を + 購入する
オンライン<strong>で購入する際</strong>は、セキュリティに注意してください。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
'購入する' sounds too formal for buying a simple coffee. '買う' is more natural.
'入手する' means to obtain or get, which could be by buying, receiving, or finding. '購入する' specifically means to buy.
While technically correct, '購入した' can sound stiff or overly formal among friends. '買った' is the standard choice.
Remember that '購入する' is a 'suru' verb and conjugates accordingly (e.g., 購入します, 購入した, 購入しない).
'購入する' implies payment. If you received something for free, use verbs like 'もらう' (morau - to receive) or '受け取る' (uketoru - to receive).
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Coin-New' shop (Kōnyū) where you buy important things like houses and cars.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for '購入する' in news reports about business deals, real estate listings, and online store checkout confirmations.
Cultural Insight
The distinction between '買う' and '購入する' mirrors the English difference between 'buy' and 'purchase', reflecting a need for formal terminology in commercial contexts.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember '購入する' is a 'suru' verb. Just add 'suru' to the noun '購入' (kōnyū) and conjugate 'suru' as needed.
Say It Right
Pay attention to the 'nyū' sound (like 'new') and the light 'u' in 'suru'.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using '購入する' for small, everyday items like snacks or coffee; stick to '買う' for those.
Did You Know?
The character '購' has roots in ancient Chinese commerce, showing the long history of formal terms for buying.
Study Smart
Create flashcards comparing '買う' and '購入する' with example sentences for different situations (casual vs. formal).
Register Awareness
Think of '購入する' as the 'suit and tie' version of 'buying'.
Active Recall
Try writing sentences about big purchases you've made or want to make using '購入する'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Kōnyū' sounding like 'Coin-new'. You buy something 'new' with your 'coin's'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person confidently handing over coins (or a card) at a store counter to receive a brand new item.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three things you recently bought using '購入しました' (kōnyū shimashita) if they were significant purchases, or '買いました' (kaimashita) if they were casual.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)
Original meaning: '購' (kō) means 'to buy', 'to purchase'. '入' (nyū) means 'to enter', 'to put in'. Together, it implies bringing something in by purchasing.
Cultural Context
Generally neutral. The formality can make it sound slightly distant in very casual settings, but it's not inherently sensitive.
In English, we have 'buy' (general) and 'purchase' (more formal). '購入する' fills a similar niche in Japanese, often used in commercial contexts or for significant acquisitions.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Online Shopping
- オンラインで商品を購入する。
- 購入手続きを進める。
- 購入履歴を確認する。
Buying a Vehicle
- 新車を購入する。
- 中古車を購入する。
- 購入契約を結ぶ。
Real Estate
- 家を購入する。
- マンションを購入する。
- 購入費用について相談する。
Business Procurement
- 必要な備品を購入する。
- 原材料を購入する。
- サプライヤーから購入する。
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か大きなものを購入しましたか？"
"オンラインで買い物をすることが多いですか？"
"一番最近、何を購入しましたか？"
"何か欲しいものを購入するために、お金を貯めていますか？"
"中古品を購入することについてどう思いますか？"
Journal Prompts
Describe a significant purchase you made using '購入しました'. What was it and why did you buy it?
Write about a time you regretted an impulse purchase. Use the term '衝動買い' if applicable.
Imagine you are starting a new business. What essential equipment would you need to purchase? List them using '購入する'.
Reflect on the difference between '買う' and '購入する'. When is it more appropriate to use the latter?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions'買う' (kau) is the general, everyday word for 'to buy'. '購入する' (kōnyū suru) is more formal and often used for significant purchases, business transactions, or when a more official tone is needed.
Use '購入する' when buying things like cars, houses, expensive electronics, or when talking about a company buying equipment or supplies. It's also common in online shopping contexts and formal writing.
Technically yes, but it sounds overly formal for everyday food purchases. For groceries or meals, '買う' is much more natural.
Yes, '購入する' is a verb. It's formed by the noun '購入' (purchase) and the verb 'する' (to do).
It conjugates like other 'suru' verbs. For example: 購入します (polite present), 購入した (plain past), 購入しない (plain negative).
The most direct opposite is '売る' (uru), meaning 'to sell'.
Yes, 'to acquire' is a good translation, especially when emphasizing the act of obtaining something through payment. However, '入手する' (nyūshu suru) is also used for 'to acquire' and can include methods other than buying.
It's rarely used in very casual conversation among close friends, as it can sound stiff. '買う' is preferred for everyday talk.
Test Yourself
わたしは えほんを ______ します。
The sentence means 'I purchase picture books.' '購入する' means to purchase.
Which word means 'to purchase' in a more formal or commercial context?
'購入する' is used for more formal purchases, while '買う' is more general.
You would typically use '購入する' to describe buying a pack of gum at a convenience store.
While technically possible, '買う' is much more natural and common for small, casual purchases like gum.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases showing how '購入する' is used with different objects.
The correct sentence is '新しいパソコンを購入しました。' (I purchased a new computer).
このソフトウェアは、会社のウェブサイトから ______ できます。
The sentence means 'This software can be purchased from the company website.' '購入' fits the context of buying software.
Which of the following situations best suits the use of '購入する' over '買う'?
Buying a house is a significant, formal transaction where '購入する' is the most appropriate verb.
Create a sentence using '購入する' to describe a business acquiring assets.
This sentence correctly uses '購入する' in a business context for acquiring assets (設備 - equipment/facilities).
企業は、持続可能性を考慮して原材料を ______ する傾向にある。
The context is about companies acquiring raw materials, making '購入する' (purchase) the correct verb.
Explain the difference in nuance between '購入する' and '調達する'.
This highlights the difference in formality and context between the two verbs.
Score: /10
Summary
Use '購入する' when you want to sound more formal or specific about buying something important.
- Formal verb for 'to purchase' or 'to buy'.
- Used for significant items (cars, houses) and business transactions.
- More formal than the common verb '買う' (kau).
- Conjugates like other 'suru' verbs.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Coin-New' shop (Kōnyū) where you buy important things like houses and cars.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for '購入する' in news reports about business deals, real estate listings, and online store checkout confirmations.
Cultural Insight
The distinction between '買う' and '購入する' mirrors the English difference between 'buy' and 'purchase', reflecting a need for formal terminology in commercial contexts.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember '購入する' is a 'suru' verb. Just add 'suru' to the noun '購入' (kōnyū) and conjugate 'suru' as needed.
Example
新しいパソコンを購入しました。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More business words
遅めに
B1Late or later than usual.
経理
B1Accounting, accounts department; managing financial records.
的確な
B1Accurate; precise; exactly correct.
達成する
B1To achieve; to accomplish a goal.
活性化
B2To make something more active, lively, or effective. It is used for communities (revitalization), economies (stimulation), and biological processes (activation).
付加
B2To add or attach something extra to an existing thing to increase its value or function.
優位性
B2The state of being in a superior or more advantageous position compared to others; an edge or competitive advantage.
有利
A2Advantageous, favorable; beneficial in a situation.
有利に
B1Advantageously; favorably.
宣伝する
B1To promote; to publicize; to advertise.
