Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 売る (uru). It means 'to sell'. When you give something to someone and they give you money, you sell it. For example, if you have a toy and you give it to your friend for money, you sell the toy. It is a simple word for a simple action!
The verb 売る (uru) means 'to sell'. This is when you exchange an item for money. For example, a shopkeeper sells goods to customers. You can sell your old books or toys. The sentence structure is often 'Noun + を (o) + 売る'. For example, 本を売る (hon o uru) means 'to sell books'. It's a very common verb used in daily life.
売る (uru) is the Japanese verb for 'to sell'. It signifies the act of exchanging goods or services for money. You'll use this verb frequently when discussing purchases or business. For instance, you might ask, 「これはいくらで売っていますか？」 (Kore wa ikura de utte imasu ka?) – 'How much is this selling for?'. It's important to distinguish it from 買う (kau), 'to buy'. Understanding 売る is key to comprehending basic economic interactions.
The verb 売る (uru) denotes the act of selling, a core concept in commerce. Beyond the basic meaning, it can be used in various contexts, from personal sales to business transactions. Consider its use in phrases like 中古車を売る (chuukosha o uru) – 'to sell a used car'. It's also employed in more nuanced expressions, such as 人気を売る (ninki o uru) – 'to sell popularity', implying leveraging fame. The formality of its usage can vary, but the core meaning of exchange for money remains consistent.
売る (uru), meaning 'to sell', extends beyond literal transactions. In figurative senses, it can imply promoting or marketing something, not just physical goods but also ideas or oneself. For example, 自分の経験を売る (jibun no keiken o uru) could mean 'to leverage one's experience' in a job application or presentation. Understanding its idiomatic uses, like 顔を売る (kao o uru - to gain recognition), reveals deeper cultural and linguistic layers. The verb is central to discussions of economics, marketing, and even social dynamics.
The verb 売る (uru), while seemingly straightforward, carries significant weight in Japanese culture and language. Its etymology, linked to the character 売, which itself has complex origins, hints at the long history of trade. Beyond its primary definition, 売る appears in sophisticated expressions and economic terminology. Consider its role in concepts like ブランドを売る (burando o uru) – 'to sell a brand', which involves marketing intangible value. Its usage can range from the mundane act of selling vegetables to complex financial dealings, requiring a deep understanding of context and register to fully grasp its implications.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 売る (uru) is the Japanese verb for 'to sell'.
- It's a fundamental verb used in everyday transactions and business.
- The basic structure is Subject + を (object) + 売る.
- It has related nouns like 売上 (sales revenue) and can be used figuratively.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 売る (uru), which means 'to sell'. Think about when you go to a store and buy something; the store is selling it to you. That's exactly what 売る covers! It’s a fundamental verb for any kind of transaction where you are the one offering something for purchase.
It’s used in countless everyday situations, from buying groceries to making a big purchase like a car. The core idea is the transfer of ownership in exchange for payment. We'll explore how this simple concept plays out in different contexts, from casual chats to more formal settings. Get ready to understand this super useful word!
The verb 売る (uru) has a long history, tracing its roots back to ancient Japanese. The character 売 itself is composed of two parts: the radical 十 (juu), which can represent 'ten' or 'cross', and the phonetic component 買 (kai), which originally meant 'buy' but evolved to represent 'sell' in this context. This is a fascinating bit of linguistic evolution!
Historically, the act of selling has been central to human societies, and the word for it has evolved alongside trade and commerce. In Old Japanese, the word was likely similar, but the kanji characters we use today became standardized over centuries. It's interesting to note how the character for 'buy' (買う, kau) shares a similar phonetic element, highlighting the close relationship between buying and selling as two sides of the same coin. This connection is seen in many languages, where the words for these actions are often etymologically linked or have contrasting but related origins.
売る (uru) is incredibly versatile! You'll hear it used in almost any situation involving a transaction. For instance, you might say 本を売る (hon o uru) – 'to sell books', or 車を売る (kuruma o uru) – 'to sell a car'. The particle 'を (o)' is typically used to mark the item being sold.
In casual conversation, people might use it directly: 「このTシャツ、いくらで売ってる？」 (Kono T-shatsu, ikura de u tte ru?) – 'How much are they selling this T-shirt for?'. In more formal business settings, you might encounter related terms like 売却 (baikyaku), which is a more formal term for selling off assets. Understanding the context helps you choose the right nuance. Remember, it's always about offering something for money!
While 売る itself is quite direct, it appears in phrases that add color to conversations. Here are a few:
- 顔を売る (kao o uru): Literally 'to sell one's face', this idiom means to gain fame or recognition, often by appearing in public or media. It implies leveraging one's public image. Example: 彼はテレビに出て顔を売った。(Kare wa terebi ni dete kao o utta.) - He appeared on TV and gained recognition.
- 身売りする (miuri suru): This is a more somber expression, meaning 'to sell oneself', often implying selling one's labor or, historically, even oneself into servitude or prostitution. Example: 貧しさから身売りせざるを得なかった。(Mazushisa kara miuri sezaru o enakatta.) - Due to poverty, they had no choice but to sell themselves.
- 足元を見る (ashi moto o miru) - related to selling: While not directly using 売る, this idiom means to take advantage of someone's difficult situation, often when selling. It implies exploiting their weakness. Example: 相手が困っているのを見て、足元を見た値段を提示した。(Aite ga komatte iru no o mite, ashimoto o mita nedan o teiji shita.) - Seeing the other party was in trouble, they offered a price that exploited their situation.
- 二束三文で売る (nisoku sanmon de uru): To sell something for next to nothing; very cheaply. Example: 売れ残った商品は二束三文で売られた。(Urenokotta shouhin wa nisoku sanmon de urareta.) - The unsold goods were sold for next to nothing.
売る (uru) is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese, meaning its stem doesn't change for the ます (masu) form. The stem is 売 (u-), and you add -imasu to get 売ります (urimasu). This makes conjugation relatively straightforward!
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced 'oo-roo'. The 'u' sound is short and crisp. In the IPA, it's transcribed as /ɯ̹.ɾɯ̹/. The stress is generally even across both syllables. Rhyming words are rare due to the specific vowel and consonant combinations, but words ending in '-uru' might share a similar sound profile, like 走る (hashiru - to run) or 帰る (kaeru - to return, though the 'e' sound differs). Common pronunciation errors might include lengthening the 'u' sound or mispronouncing the 'r' sound, which is softer than the English 'r', more like a light flap of the tongue.
Fun Fact
The kanji character 売 itself is quite interesting. It's believed to have originated from a pictograph representing a market stall or trade. The evolution shows how language adapts to describe fundamental human activities like commerce.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'oo-roo', with a quick, light 'r' sound, similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.
Similar to UK pronunciation, the 'r' is a flap sound, not the hard English 'r'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' too hard, like the English 'r'.
- Adding an extra syllable or vowel sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the syllables (stress is fairly even).
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in basic sentences, requires context for figurative use.
Straightforward for basic sentences, requires care for nuances and figurative language.
Easy to pronounce and use in basic contexts.
Commonly heard, easily recognizable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Object Marker 'を'
本<strong>を</strong>売る (hon <strong>o</strong> uru) - To sell books.
Te-form for Ongoing Actions
本<strong>を売っています</strong>。(Hon o <strong>utte imasu</strong>.) - I am selling books.
Potential Form (e.g., 売れる)
この本はよく<strong>売れます</strong>。(Kono hon wa yoku <strong>uremasu</strong>.) - This book sells well.
Passive Voice
この本<strong>は</strong>よく売られます。(Kono hon <strong>wa</strong> yoku uraremasu.) - This book is sold often.
Examples by Level
おもちゃを売ります。
toy + O + sell.
Object marker 'o'
りんごを売ります。
apple + O + sell.
Direct object
花を売ります。
flower + O + sell.
Verb conjugation
本を売ります。
book + O + sell.
Simple present tense
魚を売ります。
fish + O + sell.
Verb meaning
パンを売ります。
bread + O + sell.
Common vocabulary
水を売ります。
water + O + sell.
Basic sentence
お菓子を売ります。
sweets + O + sell.
Everyday action
店員は商品を売っています。
shopkeeper + topic + goods + O + selling.
Te-form for ongoing action
古い本を売るのが好きです。
old + book + O + sell + NOMINALIZER + like.
Nominalizer 'no'
この店はケーキを売っていますか？
this + shop + topic + cake + O + selling + QUESTION?
Question formation
彼は中古車を売りました。
he + topic + used + car + O + sold.
Past tense
いくらで売りますか？
how much + for + sell + QUESTION?
Asking price
お土産を売る場所がありますか？
souvenir + O + sell + place + exists + QUESTION?
Existence question
友達に絵を売りました。
friend + to + picture + O + sold.
Indirect object
この果物は安く売っています。
this + fruit + cheaply + selling.
Adverb of manner
このアパートはいくらで売られていますか？
this + apartment + how much + for + are being sold?
Passive voice (potential form)
彼は自分のコレクションを売ることにした。
he + topic + his own + collection + O + sell + decision + did.
Verb + koto ni suru
オンラインで手作りのアクセサリーを売っています。
online + handmade + accessories + O + selling.
Online selling
その店は限定版のフィギュアを売る予定です。
that + shop + topic + limited edition + figures + O + sell + plan + is.
Future plan
不要になった本は古本屋に売るといい。
unnecessary + became + books + topic + used bookstore + to + sell + is good.
Advice/suggestion
彼は自分のスキルを売って生計を立てている。
he + topic + his own + skills + O + sell + livelihood + is making.
Figurative use (earning a living)
この絵はオークションで高値で売れた。
this + painting + topic + auction + at + high price + sold.
Passive voice (past)
ブランド品を安く売る店は信用できない。
brand name items + cheaply + sell + shops + cannot trust.
Negative judgment
彼は長年勤めた会社を売却し、独立した。
he + topic + many years + worked + company + sold off, + became independent.
売却 (baikyaku) - formal term for selling off
そのアーティストは、自分の作品を売るだけでなく、ワークショップも開催している。
that + artist + topic + their own + works + O + sell + not only, + workshop + also + holding + is.
Not only... but also
この地域では、伝統工芸品を売る店が減少している。
this + region + in, + traditional crafts + O + sell + shops + decreasing + is.
Societal trend
彼は自分の経験を「商品」として売り込んでいる。
he + topic + his own + experience + 'product' + as + selling hard.
Figurative: selling oneself/experience
法外な値段で売ることは、消費者センターから警告を受けた。
exorbitant + price + sell + is, + consumer center + from + warning + received.
Illegal/unethical selling
その小説は、登場人物の心理描写を巧みに売っている。
that + novel + topic, + characters' + psychological depiction + skillfully + is selling.
Figurative: selling a concept/quality
彼は、自分のアイデアを大手企業に高く売ることに成功した。
he + topic, + his own + ideas + O + major corporation + to + high price + sell + succeeded.
Successful business deal
この古い建物は、歴史的価値を売りにしている。
this + old + building + topic, + historical value + as selling point + is doing.
Selling point/feature
彼は、自身の経験を一種の「ブランド」として売り込み、コンサルタントとして成功を収めた。
he + topic, + his own + experience + as a kind of 'brand' + selling hard, + as a consultant + success + achieved.
Sophisticated figurative use of 'selling'
その映画は、単なる娯楽作品を超えて、現代社会の矛盾を巧みに売っている。
that + movie + topic, + mere + entertainment work + beyond, + modern society's + contradictions + skillfully + is selling.
Selling a message or theme
彼女は、その場の雰囲気を「売る」ことで、観客を魅了した。
she + topic, + the atmosphere of the moment + 'selling' + by, + audience + captivated.
Selling an experience or atmosphere
このソフトウェアは、その直感的なインターフェースを最大の売りとしている。
this + software + topic, + its + intuitive interface + as the biggest selling point + is doing.
Selling point (feature-focused)
彼は、自身の専門知識をセミナーという形で売り、多くの受講者を集めた。
he + topic, + his own + specialized knowledge + in the form of seminars + selling, + many attendees + gathered.
Packaging knowledge for sale
そのブランドは、高級感と希少性を売りに、富裕層をターゲットにしている。
that + brand + topic, + sense of luxury + and + rarity + as selling points, + wealthy class + targeting + is doing.
Marketing strategy
彼は、世論を巧みに利用して、自分の政策を国民に売り込んだ。
he + topic, + public opinion + skillfully + using + his policies + to the nation + sold hard.
Selling political ideas
この小説は、読者の想像力を掻き立てる「余白」をうまく売っている。
this + novel + topic, + readers' + imagination + stimulating + 'white space' + well + is selling.
Selling ambiguity or potential
その企業は、単に製品を売るのではなく、ライフスタイル全体を包括的に「売る」戦略を採用している。
that + company + topic, + simply + products + sell + rather than, + lifestyle + entire + comprehensively + 'selling' + strategy + is adopting.
Holistic marketing ('selling a lifestyle')
彼は、自身の芸術的ビジョンを妥協することなく、その独自性を「売る」ことに成功した。
he + topic, + his own + artistic vision + compromise + without + its uniqueness + 'selling' + succeeded.
Selling uniqueness/integrity
このドキュメンタリーは、単なる事実の提示に留まらず、視聴者の感情に深く訴えかける「真実」を売っている。
this + documentary + topic, + mere + facts' + presentation + not stopping at, + viewers' + emotions + deeply + appealing + 'truth' + is selling.
Selling emotional resonance or perceived truth
彼は、その場の空気を読み、相手の心理的欲求を的確に捉えて「売る」術に長けていた。
he + topic, + the atmosphere of the moment + reading, + the other party's + psychological desires + accurately + grasping + 'selling' + skill + was adept at.
Mastery of psychological selling
その政治家は、国民の不安感を巧みに利用し、安定という「幻想」を売ることで支持を得た。
that + politician + topic, + the public's + sense of anxiety + skillfully + using, + stability + as 'illusion' + selling + by + support + gained.
Selling abstract concepts or illusions
この文学作品は、読者に自己省察を促す「問い」を売っており、単なる物語以上の体験を提供する。
this + literary work + topic, + readers + self-reflection + prompts + 'questions' + is selling, + mere + story + more than + experience + provides.
Selling intellectual or existential engagement
彼は、自身の失敗談をユーモアを交えて語ることで、親近感を「売り」、聴衆の心を掴んだ。
he + topic, + his own + failure stories + humor + mixing + telling + by, + approachability + 'selling', + audience's + hearts + captured.
Selling relatability and vulnerability
この仮想通貨は、未来への「可能性」という名の夢を売っている。
this + cryptocurrency + topic, + future + towards + 'possibility' + named + dream + is selling.
Selling intangible future prospects
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"顔を売る (kao o uru)"
To gain fame or recognition; to make oneself known.
彼はタレントとして顔を売るために、バラエティ番組に積極的に出演した。
neutral"身売りする (miuri suru)"
To sell oneself, often implying selling one's labor or, historically, oneself into servitude or prostitution due to poverty.
貧困のため、彼女は身売りせざるを得なかったという悲しい話がある。
formal/literary"二束三文で売る (nisoku sanmon de uru)"
To sell something for a ridiculously low price; to sell very cheaply.
売れ残った商品は、年末に二束三文で売られた。
casual"足元を見る (ashi moto o miru)"
To take advantage of someone's difficult situation or weakness, often when selling something at an inflated price.
相手が急いでいるのを見て、足元を見た値段を提示した。
neutral"命を売る (inochi o uru)"
To risk one's life, often for money or survival; to do something extremely dangerous.
炭鉱夫たちは、日々の糧のために文字通り命を売っている。
literary"時間を売る (jikan o uru)"
To sell one's time, typically as a professional service (e.g., consultant, lawyer).
フリーランスのデザイナーは、クライアントに時間を売って仕事をしている。
neutralEasily Confused
Both verbs relate to transactions and are fundamental. Learners often mix them up due to the similar context of buying and selling.
買う means 'to buy' (the action of the customer). 売る means 'to sell' (the action of the vendor).
私が本を売ります。あなたが本を買います。(Watashi ga hon o urimasu. Anata ga hon o kaimasu.) - I sell books. You buy books.
It's a related form of 売る, making it easy to confuse the active verb with its potential/passive form.
売る is the active verb 'to sell' (done by the seller). 売れる means 'to be sold' or 'to sell well' (referring to the item itself or its marketability).
この本はよく売れます。(Kono hon wa yoku ururemasu.) - This book sells well. (The book is the subject). 私はこの本を売ります。(Watashi wa kono hon o urimasu.) - I sell this book. (I am the subject).
In some contexts, 譲る can imply transferring ownership, which can overlap with selling, especially when passing down property.
譲る primarily means 'to hand over', 'to yield', or 'to pass on'. While it can sometimes imply selling, it often carries a sense of gifting, bequeathing, or simply relinquishing.
彼は古い家を息子に譲った。(Kare wa furui ie o musuko ni yuzutta.) - He passed down the old house to his son. (Could be sold, gifted, or inherited).
It's the action immediately preceding selling in a business context.
仕入れる means 'to procure' or 'to buy goods for resale'. It's the buyer's action from the perspective of a seller. 売る is the subsequent action of selling those goods.
店は商品を仕入れて、それを顧客に売る。(Mise wa shouhin o shiirete, sore o kokyaku ni uru.) - The store procures goods and then sells them to customers.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は/が + Object + を + 売る。
私は古い自転車を売りました。(Watashi wa furui jitensha o urimashita.) - I sold an old bicycle.
Subject + は/が + Object + を + Verb (te-form) + います。
店員さんは果物を売っています。(Ten'in-san wa kudamono o utte imasu.) - The shopkeeper is selling fruit.
Object + が + 売れる。
この本はよく売れます。(Kono hon wa yoku ure masu.) - This book sells well.
Subject + は/が + [場所] + で + Object + を + 売る。
彼は市場で新鮮な魚を売る。(Kare wa ichiba de shinsen na sakana o uru.) - He sells fresh fish at the market.
Subject + は/が + [価格] + で + Object + を + 売る。
彼らはその家を安く売った。(Karera wa sono ie o yasuku utta.) - They sold the house cheaply.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the two actions. 売る is for the seller, 買う is for the buyer.
While あげる means 'to give', it's too casual for most selling situations. Use 売る or 販売する for transactions.
As a Group 1 verb, the stem 'u' changes correctly (e.g., u -> i for masu-form, u -> tta for past).
While 売る can be used figuratively (e.g., 'sell an idea'), it needs careful contextualization. Simply saying 'sell happiness' might sound odd without proper phrasing.
売却する is specifically for selling off large assets or businesses, not for regular retail sales.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a bustling marketplace. Each stall has a seller shouting 'U R U!' trying to get your attention. Associate the sound 'uru' with the action of selling in this vivid scene.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 売る when people talk about shopping, running a business, or even complaining about prices. 'このTシャツ、いくらで売ってる？' (How much is this T-shirt selling for?) is a very common phrase.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, efficient sales and customer service are highly valued. The verb 売る is central to this economic activity, from small street vendors to large corporations.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 売る is a Group 1 verb. Its stem 'u' conjugates predictably: 売ります (urimasu), 売らない (uranai), 売った (utta). Easy!
Say It Right
Focus on the short 'u' sounds and the light flap 'r'. Avoid a hard English 'r'. Practice saying 'uru' clearly and quickly.
Don't Make This Mistake
Confusing 売る (sell) with 買う (buy) is common for beginners. Always double-check: who is the actor? The seller uses 売る, the buyer uses 買う.
Did You Know?
The kanji 売 itself has a complex history, possibly originating from a pictograph of a market stall. It shows how deeply rooted the concept of selling is in language.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with 'sell' on one side and 売る on the other. Add example sentences like '本を売る' (sell books) to reinforce usage.
Role-Playing Practice
Imagine you're a shopkeeper. Practice describing items you are selling using 売る and asking customers questions like 'いくらで売りますか？' (How much do you sell it for?).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone yelling 'U R U!' (You are you!) at a market stall, trying to sell you something unique. The urgency of 'U R U!' helps remember 'uru' for selling.
Visual Association
Picture a person holding up a sign that says 'FOR SALE' with a big 'U' and 'R' on it, pointing to themselves.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing five things you could sell in your room using the verb 売る.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The character 売 combines 'cross/ten' (十) and a phonetic component related to 'buy' (買), evolving to mean 'sell'.
Cultural Context
While the act of selling is neutral, certain contexts like '身売り (miuri)' carry heavy social and historical weight, referring to desperate measures taken due to poverty or exploitation.
In English-speaking cultures, 'selling' is a ubiquitous concept, central to capitalism and daily life. Phrases like 'selling out' can have negative connotations of compromising principles, similar to some Japanese idioms.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a store/market
- これはいくらで売っていますか？ (Kore wa ikura de utte imasu ka?) - How much is this selling for?
- この商品はどこで売っていますか？ (Kono shouhin wa doko de utte imasu ka?) - Where can I buy this product?
- 在庫はありますか？ (Zaiko wa arimasu ka?) - Do you have this in stock? (Implies asking if they sell it)
Selling personal items
- 古い本を売りたいです。(Furui hon o uritai desu.) - I want to sell old books.
- 中古車を売る予定です。(Chuukosha o uru yotei desu.) - I plan to sell my used car.
- フリマで服を売りました。(Furima de fuku o urimashita.) - I sold clothes at a flea market.
Business/Commerce
- 新製品を販売します。(Shinseihin o hanbai shimasu.) - We will sell new products.
- 売上目標を達成する。(Uriage mokuhyou o tassei suru.) - To achieve sales targets.
- 商品を卸売する。(Shouhin o oroshiuri suru.) - To wholesale products.
Figurative usage
- 自分の経験を売る。(Jibun no keiken o uru.) - To sell/leverage one's experience.
- 夢を売る。(Yume o uru.) - To sell dreams.
- 顔を売る。(Kao o uru.) - To gain recognition.
Conversation Starters
"What's something interesting you bought recently? Did the seller seem happy to sell it?"
"If you could sell anything in the world, what would it be and why?"
"Have you ever sold something online? What was the experience like?"
"Do you think it's better to sell things cheaply or try to get the highest price possible?"
"What's the strangest thing you've ever seen for sale?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you sold something important to you. How did you feel?
Imagine you run a small shop. What kind of items would you sell, and how would you attract customers?
Write about a time you felt someone 'sold out' (compromised their values).
If you could invent a product and sell it, what would it be and what would its main selling point be?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions売る (uru) is the general verb for 'to sell' and can be used in most contexts. 販売する (hanbai suru) is a more formal term, often used in business, advertising, and official announcements.
Yes, 売る can be used for services, though phrases like 'サービスを提供する (saabisu o teikyou suru)' (to provide a service) are also common. For example, you might say 'コンサルティングを売る (konsarutingu o uru)' - to sell consulting.
The direct opposite is 買う (kau), meaning 'to buy'. Other related opposites include 仕入れる (shiireru - to procure goods for resale) and もらう (morau - to receive).
The state of being sold out is often expressed using the verb 売り切れる (urikireru), which is the potential/intransitive form related to selling out. For example, '商品が売り切れました (Shouhin ga urikiremashita)' means 'The products are sold out'.
Yes. 売る (uru) is the active verb 'to sell' (done by the seller). 売れる (ureru) is the potential/passive form meaning 'to be sold' or 'to sell well' (referring to the item being sold or its marketability).
Yes, but it's usually in specific, often negative or figurative contexts. The term 身売りする (miuri suru) specifically refers to selling oneself, often due to extreme hardship. Figuratively, one might 'sell oneself' in terms of compromising principles.
The polite form is 売ります (urimasu). For a more formal business context, you might use 販売いたします (hanbai itashimasu).
Generally, no, the verb itself is neutral. However, idioms like '身売りする' or contexts where someone 'sells out' (compromises principles) can carry negative weight. The act of selling itself is a fundamental part of commerce.
Test Yourself
私は古い本を ____。
The sentence means 'I ____ old books'. The correct verb for selling is 売ります (urimasu).
Which sentence correctly uses the verb 'to sell'?
Sentence 2, '彼女は花を売っています (Kanojo wa hana o utte imasu)', means 'She is selling flowers', correctly using the verb for selling.
The verb 売る (uru) means 'to buy'.
売る (uru) means 'to sell'. The verb for 'to buy' is 買う (kau).
Word
Meaning
This exercise matches the verb 'to sell' and related terms with their English meanings.
The correct sentence order is '彼は車を売る (Kare wa kuruma o uru)', meaning 'He sells cars'.
この店では、手作りの ____ を売っています。
The sentence implies selling handmade items. 'アクセサリー (akusesarii)' - accessories - fits this context best.
Which phrase best represents the figurative meaning of 'selling one's experience'?
'経験を売る (keiken o uru)' is used figuratively to mean leveraging or marketing one's experience.
The verb 売る (uru) can be used to describe the act of selling intangible concepts like 'dreams' or 'possibilities'.
In advanced contexts, 売る can be used figuratively to sell abstract ideas, dreams, or prospects, often in marketing or artistic descriptions.
Score: /8
Summary
Mastering 売る (uru) unlocks understanding of countless daily interactions involving exchange and commerce.
- 売る (uru) is the Japanese verb for 'to sell'.
- It's a fundamental verb used in everyday transactions and business.
- The basic structure is Subject + を (object) + 売る.
- It has related nouns like 売上 (sales revenue) and can be used figuratively.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a bustling marketplace. Each stall has a seller shouting 'U R U!' trying to get your attention. Associate the sound 'uru' with the action of selling in this vivid scene.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 売る when people talk about shopping, running a business, or even complaining about prices. 'このTシャツ、いくらで売ってる？' (How much is this T-shirt selling for?) is a very common phrase.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, efficient sales and customer service are highly valued. The verb 売る is central to this economic activity, from small street vendors to large corporations.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 売る is a Group 1 verb. Its stem 'u' conjugates predictably: 売ります (urimasu), 売らない (uranai), 売った (utta). Easy!
Example
この店は服を売っています。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
じゅうしょ
A2The particulars of the place where someone lives.
住所
A2address, residence
～後
A2after
目覚まし
B1Alarm clock. A clock that makes a noise to wake someone up.
目覚まし時計
B1An alarm clock.
もう少し
B1A little more.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
