仕入れる
仕入れる in 30 Seconds
- Used for professional stocking or procurement of goods for resale.
- Commonly used by shop owners, chefs, and business professionals.
- Can metaphorically mean gathering useful information or news.
- Distinct from 'kau' (to buy) which is used for personal purchases.
The Japanese verb 仕入れる (shiireru) is a specialized term primarily used in the context of commerce, logistics, and professional procurement. While the English word 'buy' or 'purchase' covers a broad range of activities, shiireru specifically refers to the act of acquiring goods, materials, or information with the intent of using them for business, resale, or production. It is the bridge between a supplier and a provider. When a restaurant owner goes to the fish market at 4:00 AM to get the catch of the day, they are not just 'buying' (kau) fish; they are 'stocking' or 'procuring' it (shiireru). This distinction is vital because it implies a professional purpose behind the transaction.
- Business Context
- In a retail setting, this word describes the process of filling inventory. For example, a bookstore 'shiireru' the latest bestsellers from a publisher. In a manufacturing setting, it refers to getting raw materials like steel or fabric.
- Information Context
- Metaphorically, it can be used for gathering information or knowledge that will be useful later. A journalist might 'shiireru' a hot tip, or a student might 'shiireru' useful facts for an upcoming debate.
The kanji components provide deep insight into the meaning. 仕 (shi) often relates to 'doing,' 'serving,' or 'work,' while 入 (i/nyuu) means 'to enter' or 'put in.' Together, they literally mean 'to put into work' or 'to bring in for service.' This highlights that the items being '仕入れる' are not the end of the line; they are entering a system where they will be transformed, sold, or utilized for a specific goal.
店主は毎朝、市場で新鮮な野菜を仕入れる。
(The shopkeeper stocks up on fresh vegetables at the market every morning.)
Understanding the nuance of shiireru vs. kau (to buy) is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level in Japanese. If you use 'kau' for a business transaction, you sound like a customer. If you use 'shiireru,' you sound like a professional partner or owner. It changes the power dynamic of the sentence from a simple consumer act to a strategic business move. You will hear this word constantly in Japanese business news, cooking shows (when chefs discuss their ingredients), and in the 'Back to School' or 'New Season' retail planning sessions.
In modern usage, with the rise of resale platforms like Mercari or eBay, even casual sellers use this word. If someone buys vintage clothes at a thrift store specifically to sell them online for a profit, they are 'shiireru'-ing those clothes. This demonstrates how the word has shifted from strictly corporate boardrooms to the everyday gig economy of modern Japan.
Using 仕入れる (shiireru) correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment. It is a transitive Ichidan verb (る-verb), meaning it takes a direct object marked by the particle を (wo). The subject is usually a person, a shop, or a company. The source from which you stock the items is often marked with から (kara) or で (de) depending on whether you are emphasizing the origin or the location of the transaction.
- The Passive Form
- In business reports, you often see 仕入れられる (shiirerareru). Example: 'These materials are procured from overseas' (これらの材料は海外から仕入れられる).
- The Noun Form
- 仕入れ (shiire) functions as a noun meaning 'stocking,' 'procurement,' or 'inventory purchase.' You might hear 'shiire-ne' (cost price/buying price).
卸売業者から安く仕入れることで、利益を上げている。
(By stocking cheaply from wholesalers, we are increasing our profits.)
When discussing quantities, adverbs like 大量に (tairyou ni - in large quantities) or 定期的に (teikiteki ni - regularly) frequently accompany the verb. This highlights the logistical nature of the action. Unlike 'kau,' which can be a one-off impulse, 'shiireru' often implies a planned, recurring, or strategic action. For instance, if you say 'I bought a lot of apples' (Ringo wo takusan katta), it sounds like you might just like apples. If you say 'Ringo wo tairyou ni shiireta,' it sounds like you are about to open a cider brewery or a pie shop.
新しい情報を仕入れるために、展示会に参加した。
(I attended the exhibition to gather (stock up on) new information.)
Another common pattern involves the potential form 仕入れられる (shiirerareru). In a globalized economy, supply chain issues are often discussed using this verb: 'We can no longer procure chips' (チップが仕入れられなくなった). This emphasizes the inability to maintain the flow of business rather than just a personal inability to buy something.
The word 仕入れる (shiireru) is the heartbeat of Japan's commercial landscape. If you visit the Toyosu Market in Tokyo, you will hear fishmongers and sushi chefs shouting about what they 'shiire-ta' that morning. This isn't just shop talk; it's a badge of quality. A chef bragging about their 'shiire' is telling their customers that they have a discerning eye for the best ingredients. In this context, the word carries a weight of expertise and professional pride.
「今日のマグロは、最高なのを仕入れましたよ!」
("I stocked up on the best tuna today!")
In the corporate world, specifically in departments like 調達 (choutatsu - procurement) or 購買 (koubai - purchasing), 'shiireru' is the standard verb. During quarterly meetings, managers will discuss 'shiire-daka' (the amount of stock purchased) and how it affects the 'zaiko' (inventory). If you are working in a Japanese office, you'll hear this during budget planning or when discussing supply chain disruptions. It is a word that signals you are talking about the company's money and resources, not your own.
- News & Media
- Economic news reports often use this word when discussing import/export trends. 'The weak yen has made it expensive to stock (shiireru) foreign grain.'
- Retail & Fashion
- Buyers for boutiques go to Paris or Milan to 'shiireru' the next season's trends. Here, it implies a curated selection process.
Interestingly, you'll also encounter this in the world of gossip and news. A reporter might say they 'shiire-ta' a juicy story. This usage treats information as a commodity that can be collected and then 'sold' or 'distributed' to the public. It suggests that the information didn't just happen to them; they went out and actively procured it through effort and networking.
One of the most frequent errors learners make is using 仕入れる (shiireru) when they should use 買う (kau). The rule of thumb is: if you are buying something for your own personal use or consumption, use kau. If you are buying something to make money or to run a business, use shiireru. For example, saying 'I stocked (shiireta) a toothbrush at the convenience store' sounds like you are a merchant planning to resell that single toothbrush, which sounds very strange in a casual conversation.
❌ コンビニでパンを仕入れました。
(Incorrect: I stocked up on bread at the convenience store [for personal lunch].)
✅ コンビニでパンを買いました。
(Correct: I bought bread at the convenience store.)
Another common point of confusion is between 仕入れる (shiireru) and 入荷する (nyuuka suru). While both involve goods arriving at a business, shiireru is the action taken by the buyer (the shop owner). Nyuuka suru is what the goods do—they 'arrive' or 'come into stock.' You 'shiireru' goods from a supplier, but the goods 'nyuuka' at your warehouse. If a customer asks 'When will this be in stock?', they use nyuuka. If you tell your boss 'I'm going to get more stock,' you use shiireru.
- Confusion with 'Choutatsu'
- 調達 (choutatsu) is more formal and often used for large-scale procurement like funds (shikin-choutatsu) or military supplies. Using shiireru for raising 10 million dollars in capital is incorrect.
- Transitivity Misuse
- Because it's a transitive verb, you must have an object. You cannot just say 'I stocked' without saying what you stocked, unless the context is incredibly clear in a professional setting.
While 仕入れる (shiireru) is the go-to word for stocking up, several alternatives exist depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these will help you fine-tune your Japanese to match the environment you are in.
- 1. 買い付ける (Kaitsukeru)
- This word is often used for 'buying up' or 'purchasing' in a more active, professional sense, often involving travel or negotiation. It's common in the fashion industry (e.g., a buyer 'kaitsukeru' items in New York).
- 2. 調達する (Choutatsu suru)
- A more formal, academic, or large-scale version of procurement. Used for raw materials, energy, or capital. It sounds much more 'corporate' than shiireru.
- 3. 購入する (Kounyuu suru)
- The formal version of 'to buy.' While shiireru implies resale, kounyuu is just a polite way to say purchase. A company might 'kounyuu' new laptops for its staff (not for resale).
原料を安価に調達するルートを確保した。
(We secured a route to procure raw materials cheaply.)
Choosing between these depends on your role. If you are the person actually going to the market and picking up the crates, shiireru is perfect. If you are the CEO writing a yearly report about the company's global supply chain strategy, choutatsu or koubai (purchasing) would be more appropriate. For information, 情報を得る (jouhou wo eru - to get info) is more common, but shiireru adds a nuance of 'gathering resources for a specific purpose.'
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In the Edo period, 'shiire' was a critical part of the merchant class (Chonin) identity, distinguishing them from farmers who produced and samurai who governed.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 're' as an English 'r' with curled tongue.
- Making the 'i' sound too short; it is a double vowel (shi-i).
- Stressing the 'ru' too heavily.
- Confusing the 'shi' with a 'si' sound.
- Not connecting the syllables smoothly.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji is simple, but the nuance is specific to business.
Easy to conjugate as an Ichidan verb.
Requires understanding the difference between personal and professional contexts.
Common in news and market settings.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs (~を)
商品を仕入れる。
Ichidan Verb Conjugation
仕入れない、仕入れます、仕入れた。
Compound Nouns with ~先
仕入れ先 (Supplier).
Potential Form (~られる)
安く仕入れられる。
Purpose of Movement (~にいく)
品物を仕入れに行く。
Examples by Level
店長はパンを仕入れます。
The shop manager stocks bread.
Simple present tense verb.
魚を仕入れる。
To stock fish.
Dictionary form used as a phrase.
ここで野菜を仕入れますか?
Do you stock vegetables here?
Question form with 'ka'.
毎日、花を仕入れます。
I stock flowers every day.
Adverb 'mainichi' (every day) used with the verb.
安く仕入れたい。
I want to stock (it) cheaply.
Tai-form (desire).
新しい本を仕入れました。
I stocked new books.
Past tense 'mashita'.
牛乳を仕入れない。
To not stock milk.
Negative form 'nai'.
お菓子を仕入れる店。
A shop that stocks sweets.
Verb modifying a noun (relative clause).
レストランのために肉を仕入れる。
Stocking meat for the restaurant.
Using 'no tame ni' (for the sake of).
市場で新鮮な果物を仕入れました。
I stocked fresh fruit at the market.
Location particle 'de'.
たくさん仕入れると安くなります。
If you stock a lot, it becomes cheaper.
Conditional 'to' (if/when).
どこで材料を仕入れていますか?
Where are you stocking your materials from?
Continuous form 'te-iru'.
明日、新しい商品を仕入れる予定です。
I plan to stock new products tomorrow.
Noun 'yotei' (plan) after dictionary form.
卵を仕入れるのを忘れました。
I forgot to stock eggs.
Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.
この店は海外から服を仕入れている。
This shop stocks clothes from overseas.
Source particle 'kara'.
もっと安く仕入れる方法を知りたい。
I want to know a way to stock more cheaply.
Noun 'houhou' (method) modified by the verb.
最近、ガソリンを仕入れる価格が上がった。
Recently, the price of stocking gasoline has risen.
Verb modifying the noun 'kakaku' (price).
彼は面白いネタを仕入れてきた。
He came back having 'stocked' (gathered) some interesting material/stories.
Metaphorical use for info; 'te-kuru' form.
在庫が切れたので、急いで仕入れなければならない。
Since we're out of stock, we must stock up in a hurry.
Must form 'nakereba naranai'.
卸売業者から直接仕入れることにしました。
I decided to stock directly from the wholesaler.
Decided to 'koto ni shimashita'.
個人でもネットで商品を仕入れることができる。
Even individuals can stock products online.
Potential structure 'koto ga dekiru'.
仕入れたばかりの新鮮な魚を調理する。
To cook fish that has just been stocked.
Just-finished form 'bakari'.
季節に合わせて商品を仕入れる必要がある。
It is necessary to stock products according to the season.
Need to 'hitsuyou ga aru'.
情報を仕入れるために、業界のイベントに参加する。
Attend industry events to gather (stock up on) information.
Purpose 'tame ni'.
円安の影響で、原材料を仕入れるコストが増大している。
Due to the weak yen, the cost of stocking raw materials is increasing.
Using 'eikyou de' (due to the influence of).
このワインは、フランスの小さな農家から直接仕入れたものです。
This wine is something stocked directly from a small French farmer.
Explaining the origin with 'mono desu'.
不測の事態に備えて、部品を多めに仕入れておく。
Stock up on extra parts in preparation for unforeseen circumstances.
Preparation form 'te-oku'.
競合他社がどこから仕入れているか調査する。
Investigate where competitors are stocking from.
Embedded question with 'ka'.
高品質な素材を仕入れることが、製品の差別化に繋がる。
Stocking high-quality materials leads to product differentiation.
Resulting in 'ni tsunagaru'.
需要を予測して、適切な量を仕入れるのが難しい。
It is difficult to predict demand and stock the appropriate amount.
Nominalized phrase as a subject.
独自のルートで珍しいスパイスを仕入れている。
Stocking rare spices through a unique route.
Using 'de' for means/method.
仕入れた商品を検品する作業は非常に重要だ。
The task of inspecting stocked goods is extremely important.
Compound sentence with 'wa...juuyou da'.
サプライチェーンの混乱により、部品が仕入れられない状況が続いている。
Due to supply chain disruptions, the situation where parts cannot be procured continues.
Potential negative 'shiire-rarenai'.
環境負荷の低い素材を優先的に仕入れる方針を打ち出した。
We have launched a policy to prioritize stocking materials with low environmental impact.
Adverbial 'yuusenteki ni'.
現地で直接買い付けることで、中間マージンを省いて仕入れる。
By buying directly on-site, we stock while cutting out the middleman's margin.
Using 'te' for method/means.
情報をいかに早く仕入れるかが、投資の成否を分ける。
How quickly one gathers information determines the success or failure of an investment.
Abstract usage for information.
過剰に仕入れることは、キャッシュフローの悪化を招く恐れがある。
Stocking in excess carries the risk of causing a deterioration in cash flow.
Using 'osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk of).
彼は政界の裏情報を仕入れるパイプを持っている。
He has a 'pipe' (connection) to gather inside information from the political world.
Metaphorical 'pipe' for connections.
持続可能な漁業で獲れた魚のみを仕入れることを約束する。
We promise to stock only fish caught through sustainable fishing.
Using 'nomi' (only) for restriction.
新商品の開発に向けて、最新のテクノロジーを仕入れる。
Procure the latest technology toward the development of new products.
Using 'ni mukete' (toward).
グローバルな調達網を駆使し、最適なコストで資源を仕入れる。
By making full use of a global procurement network, we stock resources at the optimal cost.
High-level vocabulary like 'kushi' and 'saiteki'.
仕入れの多様化を図ることで、地政学的なリスクを分散させる。
By aiming for diversification of stocking, we spread geopolitical risks.
Abstract business strategy phrasing.
単なる物販に留まらず、知識や経験を仕入れる場としての店舗作り。
Creating a store not just for selling goods, but as a place to 'stock' (acquire) knowledge and experience.
Using 'ni todomarazu' (not limited to).
稀少性の高いヴィンテージ品を世界中から仕入れる審美眼が問われる。
One's aesthetic eye for stocking highly rare vintage items from around the world is put to the test.
Passive voice 'to-wareru' (is questioned/tested).
情報の非対称性を利用して、有利な条件で情報を仕入れる。
Utilize information asymmetry to gather information under advantageous conditions.
Economic terminology 'jouhou no hitsaitoushei'.
伝統工芸の技術を現代のプロダクトに仕入れる試みがなされている。
Attempts are being made to 'stock' (incorporate) traditional craft techniques into modern products.
Metaphorical use for 'incorporating' techniques.
原材料を仕入れる段階からの徹底した品質管理がブランドの根幹だ。
Thorough quality control from the stage of stocking raw materials is the core of the brand.
Focusing on the 'dankai' (stage) of the process.
文化的な背景を仕入れることなくして、真の翻訳は不可能である。
True translation is impossible without 'stocking' (acquiring) the cultural background.
Double negative 'naku-shite...fukanou' (impossible without).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The cost price or the price at which a merchant stocks an item.
仕入れ値が高騰している。
— The supplier or the source from which one stocks goods.
新しい仕入れ先を探す。
— The person in charge of purchasing or procurement.
彼はうちの仕入れ担当です。
— The procurement route or supply chain path.
仕入れルートを確保する。
— The period or timing during which stocking occurs.
仕入れ期間を短縮する。
— The total amount or value of goods stocked.
今月の仕入れ高を計算する。
— The purchasing price for stock.
仕入れ価格の交渉をする。
— A purchase ledger or book to record stocked items.
仕入れ帳に記入する。
— The overall tasks and business related to stocking.
仕入れ業務を効率化する。
— Overstocking; buying too much inventory.
仕入れ過ぎて赤字になった。
Idioms & Expressions
— To gather material for a joke, a story, or a news report.
明日のスピーチのためにネタを仕入れる。
Informal— To acquire wisdom or clever ideas from others.
先輩から知恵を仕入れる。
Neutral— To get the 'inside' or hidden story of a situation.
事件の裏を仕入れる。
Informal/Journalistic— To collect useful data or news before others do.
いち早く情報を仕入れる。
Neutral— To gain specific knowledge for a task.
専門的な知識を仕入れる。
Neutral— To learn or 'procure' a new technique or skill.
職人から技を仕入れる。
Neutral— To establish or 'procure' connections (less common, usually 'tsukuru').
業界のコネを仕入れる。
Informal— To pick up gossip or rumors.
近所の噂を仕入れる。
Informal— To keep up with and 'bring in' the latest trends.
最新の流行を仕入れる。
Neutral— To pick up the 'knack' or tips for doing something.
料理のコツを仕入れる。
NeutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine you are 'SHI-pping' (Shi) things 'IN' (I) to 'RE-sell' (Re) 'RU-tinely' (Ru).
Visual Association
Visualize a shopkeeper opening the back door of their shop to let a delivery truck 'enter' (入) with boxes.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'shiireru' instead of 'kau' next time you talk about buying materials for a project or ingredients for a big dinner party.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of 'shi' (to do/work) and 'ireru' (to put in). It historically referred to bringing goods into one's business workflow.
Original meaning: To bring in items necessary for one's service or craft.
JaponicCultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but using it for personal shopping can sound slightly arrogant or weirdly business-like.
English speakers often just say 'stock up' or 'buy for the shop,' but 'shiireru' is a single, powerful verb that covers all these nuances.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a Fish Market
- 今日の仕入れはどう?
- いいマグロを仕入れたよ。
- 仕入れ値が上がったな。
- 直接仕入れています。
In a Business Meeting
- 仕入れルートの再考
- 海外からの仕入れを増やす
- 仕入れ担当者に確認する
- 安価な仕入れ先を探す
E-commerce/Reselling
- 安く仕入れて高く売る
- どこで仕入れてるの?
- 仕入れのコツを教える
- ネットで仕入れる
Cooking/Restaurant
- 新鮮なうちに仕入れる
- 旬の食材を仕入れる
- 仕入れが間に合わない
- こだわりの仕入れ
Gathering News/Gossip
- 面白いネタを仕入れた
- どこでそんな情報を仕入れたの?
- 情報を仕入れるパイプ
- いち早く仕入れる
Conversation Starters
"このお店の野菜、すごく新鮮だけどどこから仕入れているのかな?"
"最近、物価が上がって仕入れが大変じゃないですか?"
"ビジネスで一番大切なのは、安く仕入れることだと思いますか?"
"何か面白いニュースを仕入れましたか?"
"自分の店を持つとしたら、どんなものを仕入れたいですか?"
Journal Prompts
もし自分がカフェのオーナーだったら、どんなコーヒー豆をどこから仕入れたいか書いてみましょう。
最近、自分が「情報を仕入れた」エピソードについて詳しく書いてください。
「安く仕入れる」ことと「品質」のバランスについて、あなたの考えを述べてください。
日本の市場(マーケット)での仕入れの様子を想像して描写してみましょう。
あなたが仕事や勉強のために定期的に仕入れている(集めている)リソースは何ですか?
Summary
The word '仕入れる' (shiireru) is the professional's version of 'buying.' Use it when you are acquiring items as part of a business or project, such as a chef stocking fish or a reseller buying inventory.
- Used for professional stocking or procurement of goods for resale.
- Commonly used by shop owners, chefs, and business professionals.
- Can metaphorically mean gathering useful information or news.
- Distinct from 'kau' (to buy) which is used for personal purchases.
Related Content
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.