Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn the word 売る (uru). It means 'to sell'. When you give something to a shop and get money, you are selling. Like, 'I sell my old toy.' It is easy! You use this word when you want to say you give something and get money. It is the opposite of 'buy'. So, sell is 売る, buy is 買う (kau). Simple!
The Japanese verb 売る (uru) means 'to sell'. It's used when you exchange an item or service for money. For example, a shop sells drinks: お店は飲み物を売る (Omise wa nomimono o uru). You can sell things you own, like 'I sell my bicycle': 私は自転車を売る (Watashi wa jitensha o uru). It’s a very common verb for everyday situations like shopping.
売る (uru) is the Japanese verb for 'to sell'. It signifies the act of transferring ownership of goods or services in exchange for payment. You’ll use this frequently when discussing commerce or personal transactions. For instance, 'The bookstore sells many books': その本屋はたくさんの本を売っています (Sono hon'ya wa takusan no hon o utte imasu). It’s important to distinguish it from 買う (kau), 'to buy'. Understanding 売る is fundamental for navigating economic interactions in Japan.
The verb 売る (uru) translates to 'to sell' and is a cornerstone of economic vocabulary. Its usage extends beyond simple retail; it can encompass selling services, information, or even abstract concepts. Consider the phrase 'to sell one's soul', which, while figurative, uses the core meaning of exchange. In business contexts, you might hear about companies 売上を伸ばす (uriage o nobasu) – 'increasing sales'. The nuance lies in the direct exchange for monetary value, differentiating it from gifting or trading without currency.
売る (uru), meaning 'to sell', carries significant weight in Japanese society, reflecting not just commerce but also social dynamics. While its literal meaning is straightforward, its application can be nuanced. Figuratively, it can imply betrayal or the commodification of something valuable, such as 'selling out' one's principles. For example, 彼は自分の信念を売った (Kare wa jibun no shinnen o utta) – 'He sold out his beliefs'. Understanding these extended connotations requires grasping the cultural context surrounding value, integrity, and exchange.
The verb 売る (uru), deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese commerce and culture, offers a rich field for linguistic exploration. Its etymology, tied to the concept of offering, hints at the transactional nature of human interaction. Beyond its primary commercial meaning, 売る can be found in idiomatic expressions denoting desperation (身売りする - miuri suru) or the contentious nature of arguments (売り言葉に買い言葉 - urikoroba ni kaikoroba). Its historical usage in literature and its modern application in diverse fields, from technology sales to the sale of abstract ideas, showcase its enduring relevance and semantic breadth.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 売る (uru) means 'to sell'.
- It's the opposite of 買う (kau - to buy).
- Used for goods, services, and figuratively.
- Essential for commerce and daily transactions.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb 売る (uru). At its heart, this word means 'to sell'. Think about any time you've handed over an item and received money in return – that's the essence of 売る!
It's a super common verb that you'll encounter in all sorts of situations, from a bustling market to a quiet online shop. Whether it's a shopkeeper selling snacks, a company selling software, or even someone selling their skills, 売る is the word that ties it all together. It's all about the transaction where ownership is transferred for payment.
Understanding 売る is key to grasping many everyday interactions. It's the opposite of 買う (kau), which means 'to buy'. So, when you see this word, picture that exchange happening – goods or services moving one way, and money moving the other. It’s a fundamental concept in commerce and daily life!
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 (meaning 'ten', often used phonetically or as a component) and the character 且 (which can imply 'to offer' or 'to present'). Together, they visually suggest the act of offering something, likely for exchange.
Historically, the concept of selling and trading has been around for millennia. As societies developed and economies grew, the need for a specific verb to describe this act became essential. Early forms of 売る were used in classical Japanese literature, indicating its established presence in the language for centuries.
Interestingly, the character 売 is also used in Chinese (mài), where it carries the same meaning of 'to sell'. This shared origin highlights the deep connections between Japanese and Chinese languages, particularly in core vocabulary related to commerce and basic actions. The evolution of 売る reflects the enduring human practice of trade and the development of language to describe it.
売る (uru) is used in a wide variety of contexts, both formal and informal. The most basic usage is simply selling goods. For example, 店員が商品を売る (ten'in ga shōhin o uru) – 'the clerk sells products'. You'll often see it combined with the object being sold, like 本を売る (hon o uru) – 'to sell books', or 車を売る (kuruma o uru) – 'to sell a car'.
Beyond physical goods, 売る can also refer to selling services or even intangible things. You might hear about a company サービスを売る (sābisu o uru) – 'selling services', or someone selling their time or expertise. In a more figurative sense, it can sometimes imply betraying something, like one's principles, though this is less common and often uses different phrasing.
When speaking casually, people might use contractions or simpler sentence structures. In formal settings, like business contracts or official announcements, the verb remains 売る but is embedded in more complex sentence structures. The key is that it always involves an exchange for money. Remember, it’s the direct counterpart to 買う (kau), 'to buy'. So, if someone is selling, someone else is buying!
While 売る (uru) itself is quite direct, it appears in several expressions that add nuance:
- 人身売買 (jinshin baibai): This literally means 'person-body selling-selling', referring to the horrific crime of human trafficking. It's a stark example of how the core meaning can be applied in a negative context. Example: 人身売買は絶対に許されない犯罪です。(Jinshin baibai wa zettai ni yurusarenai hanzai desu.) - Human trafficking is an absolutely unforgivable crime.
- 身売りする (miuri suru): This means 'to sell oneself', historically referring to selling oneself into servitude or, in darker historical contexts, prostitution. It implies a desperate measure. Example: 貧しさから身売りせざるを得なかった。(Mazushisa kara miuri sezaru o enakatta.) - I had no choice but to sell myself due to poverty.
- 言い値で売る (iine de uru): This means 'to sell at the asking price'. It implies selling something without negotiation, at whatever price the seller initially named. Example: 彼は言い値でその古い時計を売った。(Kare wa iine de sono furui tokei o utta.) - He sold that old watch at the asking price.
- 抱き売り (dakuri): This is a more specific term, often used in the context of selling goods in bulk or as a package deal, sometimes including a less popular item with a more popular one. Example: このセットは抱き売りされている商品です。(Kono setto wa dakuri sarete iru shōhin desu.) - This set is a product sold as a package deal.
- 売り言葉に買い言葉 (urikoroba ni kaikoroba): This idiom describes a verbal argument where harsh words are exchanged back and forth, like a seller's sharp words met by a buyer's sharp words. Example: 二人は売り言葉に買い言葉で、ついに喧嘩になった。(Futari wa urikoroba ni kaikoroba de, tsui ni kenka ni natta.) - The two exchanged harsh words, and eventually, they got into a fight.
売る (uru) is a Group 1 verb (a 'u'-verb) in Japanese. This means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. For instance, the polite form is 売ります (urimasu), the past tense is 売りました (urimashita), and the negative is 売りません (urimasen).
The pronunciation is straightforward: 'u' as in 'put', 'r' is a light flap similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English, and 'u' again. So, it sounds like 'oo-roo', with a slight tap on the 'r'. The stress is generally even across the syllables.
IPA for Japanese is a bit different, but phonetically, it's close to /ɯ̹ɾɯ̹/. Rhyming words are tricky in Japanese as it's mora-based, but words ending in '-uru' exist, though they might not be common. For example, 振る (furu - to shake/rain) shares the ending sound.
Common pronunciation errors for learners might include over-emphasizing the 'r' sound or not getting the vowel sounds quite right. Practicing with native speakers or using pronunciation guides is highly recommended. Remember, it’s a single, simple verb form that opens up a world of transactions!
Fun Fact
The character 売 is composed of 'ten' (十) and 'and' (且), possibly suggesting a transaction involving multiple items or a structured offering.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'oo-roo', with a light flap on the 'r' and short 'oo' sounds.
Similar to UK, the 'u' sounds are like 'put' and the 'r' is a quick tap.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'r' too strongly like in English 'red'.
- Making the 'u' sounds too long.
- Adding unnecessary stress patterns.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize, understanding nuances can be harder.
Basic usage is easy, figurative use requires more skill.
Basic usage is straightforward.
Common verb, easy to catch in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
売る -> 売ります (urimasu)
Passive Voice
売る -> 売られる (urareru - to be sold)
Causative-Passive Voice
売る -> 売らせる (urasreru - to let someone sell), 売らされる (urasareru - to be made to sell)
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
売る (transitive) vs. 売れる (intransitive)
Examples by Level
私はペンを売る。
I / pen / sell.
Subject + Object + Verb
店は本を売る。
Shop / books / sells.
Subject + Object + Verb
これは売る。
This / sell.
Demonstrative + Verb
お金で売る。
Money / with / sell.
Means/Method + Verb
魚を売る。
Fish / sell.
Object + Verb
車を売る。
Car / sell.
Object + Verb
花を売る。
Flowers / sell.
Object + Verb
おもちゃを売る。
Toy / sell.
Object + Verb
その店は古い本を売っています。
That / shop / old / books / sell (polite continuous).
Present continuous polite form
彼は中古車を売るのが上手だ。
He / used car / sell / 's skill is good.
Verb + の + Adj
この絵をいくらで売りますか？
This / picture / how much / for / sell (polite)?
Question word + で + Verb
不要なものを売ってお金を得た。
Unnecessary things / sell / and / money / obtained.
Verb + て form for sequence
彼女は手作りのアクセサリーをネットで売っている。
She / handmade / accessories / internet / at / sell (polite continuous).
Location + で + Verb
この果物は市場で売られています。
This / fruit / market / in / sell (passive polite).
Passive voice polite form
昔は、物々交換で物を売っていた。
Long ago / barter / with / things / sell (past).
Past tense + Context
彼は自分のコレクションをすべて売った。
He / his / collection / all / sold.
Object + Verb (past)
このソフトウェアは、多くの企業に販売されています。
This / software / many / companies / by / sell (passive polite).
Passive voice for business context
彼は長年勤めた会社を辞め、自分で店を売ることにした。
He / many years / worked / company / quit / self / shop / sell / decided.
Verb + ことにする (decide to do)
その芸術家は、自分の作品を直接ファンに売りたいと考えている。
That / artist / his / works / directly / fans / to / sell / wants.
Verb + たい (want to do)
古い家を売って、新しいアパートに引っ越した。
Old / house / sell / and / new / apartment / to / moved.
Verb + て form for sequential actions
彼は自分の時間を売って、お金を稼いでいる。
He / his / time / sell / and / money / earning.
Figurative use of 売る
この地域では、地元の農産物を直売所で売るのが一般的だ。
This / region / in / local / agricultural products / direct sales stand / at / sell / is common.
Noun + で + Verb (location of action)
その会社は、競合他社よりも安い価格で製品を売る戦略をとっている。
That / company / competitors / than / cheap / price / products / sell / strategy / is taking.
Noun + より + Adj + Noun + で + Verb
彼は、自分の経験を活かしてコンサルティングサービスを売っている。
He / his / experience / utilize / consulting / services / sell.
Verb + ように + Verb (purpose)
その作家は、自身の経験を基にした小説を執筆し、それを高値で売ることに成功した。
That / author / his / experiences / based on / novel / wrote / and / it / high price / for / sell / succeeded.
Complex sentence structure with multiple clauses
彼は、市場の動向を読み、価値のある美術品を安く仕入れて高く売るというビジネスモデルを確立した。
He / market / trends / read / valuable / art pieces / cheaply / procure / expensively / sell / this / business model / established.
Use of 〜て form for sequential actions and purpose
企業のブランドイメージを巧みに利用し、消費者の購買意欲を煽って商品を売るマーケティング戦略は巧妙だ。
Company's / brand image / skillfully / utilize / consumer's / purchasing desire / incite / products / sell / marketing strategy / is clever.
Nominalization (〜こと) and complex modifiers
彼は、自分の才能を金銭に換えることをためらわず、あらゆる機会を捉えて自分を売った。
He / his / talent / money / into / exchange / hesitate / not / all / opportunities / seize / himself / sold.
Figurative use of 売る (selling oneself/talent)
この商品は、限定版として少量のみ生産され、コレクター市場で高値で売られている。
This / product / limited edition / as / small quantity / only / produced / collector's market / at high price / sold.
Passive voice with specific context (collector's market)
彼は、単に物を売るだけでなく、顧客との長期的な信頼関係を築くことを重視している。
He / simply / things / sell / not only / customers / with / long-term / trust relationship / build / emphasize.
〜だけでなく (not only... but also)
その詐欺師は、甘い言葉で人々を騙し、存在しない商品を売りつけていた。
That / con artist / sweet / words / with / people / deceive / non-existent / products / sell (forcefully).
Verb + つける (suffix indicating completion/forcefulness)
彼は、自分の理想を曲げてまで金儲けのために売るような人間ではない。
He / his / ideals / bend / even / for profit / sell / like / person / is not.
〜てまで (to the extent of doing something)
そのコンサルタントは、クライアントの潜在的なニーズを的確に把握し、それに応えるソリューションを「売る」ことで高い評価を得ている。
That / consultant / client's / latent / needs / accurately / grasp / and / that / respond / solutions / 'sell' / by / high / evaluation / gain.
Quotation marks around 売る to indicate a nuanced or metaphorical selling
彼は、自身の芸術的ビジョンを妥協することなく、それを理解し共感する層に「売る」方法を模索している。
He / his / artistic vision / compromise / without / it / understand / empathize / stratum / to / 'sell' / method / seeking.
Figurative use of 売る for selling an idea or vision
この小説は、単なるエンターテイメントとして消費されるのではなく、読者の価値観に深く問いかける「何か」を売っていると言えるだろう。
This / novel / simply / entertainment / as / consumed / not / reader's / values / deeply / question / 'something' / sell / can be said.
Metaphorical selling of an experience or idea
政治家が公約を掲げながらも、実際には有権者の期待を裏切る形で「売る」ことは、現代社会における信頼の危機を象徴している。
Politician / pledges / while / in reality / voters' / expectations / betray / form / 'sell' / is / modern society / in / trust / crisis / symbolizes.
Critique of political rhetoric using 売る
企業が従業員の創造性を「売る」資源として捉え、それを収益化しようとする動きは、倫理的な議論を呼んでいる。
Company / employees' / creativity / 'sell' / resource / as / view / and / it / monetize / try / movement / ethical / discussions / calling.
Commodification of intangible assets
彼は、自己啓発セミナーで、成功哲学という名の「夢」を巧みに売り、多くの人々を魅了した。
He / self-help seminars / at / success philosophy / named / 'dream' / skillfully / sell / many / people / attracted.
Selling abstract concepts like dreams or success
このドキュメンタリーは、社会の暗部を暴き、視聴者に問題提起という名の「気づき」を売っている。
This / documentary / society's / dark side / expose / viewers / issue-raising / named / 'awareness' / sell.
Selling awareness or a call to action
伝統工芸の職人が、その技術だけでなく、込められた物語や精神性をも「売る」ことで、製品に付加価値を与えている。
Traditional crafts / artisan / that / technique / not only / embedded / story / spirit / also / 'sell' / by / product / added value / giving.
Selling heritage and narrative along with a product
その古代の交易都市では、香辛料や絹織物といった実利的な商品だけでなく、異国の文化や知識といった無形の財も「売る」ことが、経済的繁栄の礎となっていた。
That / ancient / trading city / in / spices / silk fabrics / like / practical goods / not only / foreign / cultures / knowledge / like / intangible assets / also / 'sell' / was / economic prosperity / foundation / became.
Historical context of selling intangible assets
彼は、自身の芸術的表現を商業主義に迎合させることを極度に嫌悪し、真に魂を揺さぶる作品のみを、それを理解しうる批評家や愛好家という選ばれた層に「売る」ことを信条としていた。
He / his / artistic expression / commercialism / cater / to / extreme / abhorred / truly / soul / shake / works / only / it / understand / critics / connoisseurs / chosen stratum / to / 'sell' / credo / was.
Emphasis on exclusivity and artistic integrity in selling
この文学作品は、読者に単なる物語の提供に留まらず、人生の意味や存在の根源といった深遠な哲学的思索を「売る」ことで、時代を超えた普遍的な価値を獲得している。
This / literary work / readers / mere / story / provision / not limited to / life / meaning / existence / root / profound / philosophical contemplation / 'sell' / by / era / beyond / universal value / acquired.
Selling philosophical insights through literature
かつての身売り制度は、経済的困窮から逃れるための究極の手段であったと同時に、人間の尊厳がいかに容易く商品化されうるかという、社会の暗部を露呈するものであった。
Past / selling oneself system / economic / hardship / escape / for / ultimate means / was / at the same time / human dignity / how easily / commodified / can be / social / dark side / reveal / was.
Historical analysis of commodification and human dignity
現代のポピュラーカルチャーにおいては、アーティストが自身のアイデンティティやライフスタイルさえも「売る」商品として戦略的に構築し、それをファンに提示することが一般的となっている。
Modern / popular culture / in / artists / their / identity / lifestyle / even / 'sell' / product / as / strategically / construct / and / it / fans / to / present / common / has become.
Strategic construction of personal brand for commercial purposes
彼は、単なる情報提供者ではなく、聴衆の知的好奇心を刺激し、新たな視点や洞察という名の「知の体験」を売る講演家として、その地位を確立した。
He / mere / information provider / not / audience's / intellectual curiosity / stimulate / new perspectives / insights / named / 'knowledge experience' / sell / speaker / as / his / position / established.
Selling an intellectual experience
その革新的なビジネスモデルは、製品そのものではなく、それを通じて顧客が得られる「体験価値」や「自己実現」といった、より高次の欲求を「売る」ことに成功した。
That / innovative / business model / product / itself / not / through it / customers / gain / 'experience value' / 'self-actualization' / like / higher-order / desires / 'sell' / succeeded.
Focus on selling higher-order needs and experiences
この芸術運動は、既存の価値観に挑戦し、社会に警鐘を鳴らすという「問題提起」そのものを、作品の核心的メッセージとして「売る」ことで、後世に大きな影響を与えた。
This / art movement / existing / values / challenge / society / warning / sound / 'raising issues' / itself / work's / core / message / as / 'sell' / by / posterity / great impact / gave.
Selling a message of social critique and awareness
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"身売りする (miuri suru)"
To sell oneself, often into servitude or debt.
貧しさのあまり、彼女は身売りせざるを得なかった。(Mazushisa no amari, kanojo wa miuri sezaru o enakatta.) - Due to extreme poverty, she had no choice but to sell herself.
historical/literary"言い値で売る (iine de uru)"
To sell at the asking price, without negotiation.
彼はほとんど言い値でその骨董品を売った。(Kare wa hotondo iine de sono kottōhin o utta.) - He sold the antique at almost the asking price.
neutral"叩き売る (tatakiuru)"
To sell something off very cheaply, often to get rid of it quickly.
閉店セールで服を叩き売っていた。(Heiten sēru de fuku o tatakiutte ita.) - They were selling clothes off very cheaply at the closing sale.
casual"売り言葉に買い言葉 (urikoroba ni kaikoroba)"
A verbal spat where harsh words are exchanged back and forth.
二人の口論は売り言葉に買い言葉となり、エスカレートした。(Futari no kōron wa urikoroba ni kaikoroba to nari, esukalēto shita.) - The argument between the two escalated into a war of words.
neutral"人身売買 (jinshin baibai)"
Human trafficking; the illegal trade of human beings.
人身売買は国際的な犯罪問題です。(Jinshin baibai wa kokusaitekina hanzai mondai desu.) - Human trafficking is an international criminal issue.
formal/legal"抱き売り (dakuri)"
Selling items as a package deal, often bundling a popular item with less popular ones.
このセットは抱き売りされている商品だ。(Kono setto wa dakuri sarete iru shōhin da.) - This set is a product sold as a package deal.
business/casualEasily Confused
Both are verbs related to exchange.
売る means to sell (exchange for money). 譲る means to hand over, yield, or sometimes sell, especially property, often implying giving it to someone specific.
彼は車を売った。(He sold the car.) vs. 彼は車を友人に譲った。(He gave/sold his car to a friend.)
Both relate to transactions and can sound similar.
売る means to sell. 買う means to buy. They are direct opposites.
私は本を売る。(I sell books.) vs. 私は本を買う。(I buy books.)
Both involve giving something.
売る is to sell (exchange for money). あげる means to give (as a gift, without expecting money).
友達にプレゼントを売る。(Selling a present to a friend - unnatural) vs. 友達にプレゼントをあげる。(Giving a present to a friend.)
Both can involve transactions.
売る is to sell. 交換する means to exchange or trade, often implying a swap without direct monetary value.
古い自転車を売る。(Sell an old bicycle.) vs. 古い自転車と新しい自転車を交換する。(Exchange an old bicycle for a new one.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + Object + を + 売る
店員が商品を売る。(The clerk sells products.)
Subject + Adverb + く + 売る
セールで安く売っている。(They are selling it cheaply on sale.)
Location + で + Object + を + 売る
市場で野菜を売る。(Sell vegetables at the market.)
Object + を + 売る + ことにする
家を売ることにした。(I decided to sell the house.)
Object + が + 売れる (intransitive, related)
この本はよく売れる。(This book sells well.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 売る can be used figuratively, direct translation might sound unnatural. Context is key.
These are direct antonyms and fundamental verbs for transactions.
Like most verbs, 売る needs appropriate polite conjugations in formal or polite situations.
Focus on who is performing the action of selling.
Selling implies an exchange for money, which is absent in gift-giving.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a bustling marketplace. Picture vendors shouting 'Uru! Uru!' as they sell their goods. Associate the sound 'uru' with this scene of active selling.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 売る when people discuss shopping, business deals, or even when someone is getting rid of old items. It's used constantly in daily life.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, the act of selling is often accompanied by politeness and specific service etiquette (omotenashi). While 売る is the verb, the cultural context adds layers to the transaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 売る is a Group 1 verb. Its polite form is 売ります (urimasu). This pattern applies to many common verbs.
Say It Right
Focus on the light flap 'r' sound and the short 'u' vowels. Practice saying 'uru' smoothly, like a quick breath.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 売る for giving gifts. Use あげる (ageru) or プレゼントする (purezento suru) instead, as selling implies an exchange for money.
Did You Know?
The kanji 売 itself can be broken down into parts that hint at offering or presenting something, reflecting its core meaning in transactions.
Study Smart
Pair 売る with its opposite, 買う (kau). Practice sentences describing both sides of a transaction, like 'I sell this, you buy that'.
Expand Your Range
Learn related words like 売上 (uriage - sales/revenue) and 売れ行き (ureyuki - sales trend) to discuss business more effectively.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone shouting 'Uru-gent! I need to sell this fast!'
Visual Association
Picture a vendor holding up a product with a sign that says 'SALE!' in Japanese characters.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing 5 things you could sell at a market stall using 売る.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To offer or present (for exchange)
Cultural Context
While a neutral term, contexts like '身売り' (selling oneself) or '人身売買' (human trafficking) are highly sensitive and serious.
In English-speaking cultures, 'selling' is a ubiquitous concept tied to capitalism and consumerism. Phrases like 'selling out' have strong connotations of compromising integrity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At a shop/store
- これを売っていますか？ (Kore o utte imasu ka? - Do you sell this?)
- いくらで売りますか？ (Ikura de urimasu ka? - How much do you sell it for?)
- セールで売っている (Sēru de utte iru - Selling it on sale)
Selling personal items
- 古い服を売る (Furui fuku o uru - Sell old clothes)
- 使わないものを売る (Tsukawanai mono o uru - Sell things I don't use)
- フリマで売る (Furima de uru - Sell at a flea market)
Business/Commerce
- 製品を販売する (Seihin o hanbai suru - Sell products)
- 売上を伸ばす (Uriage o nobasu - Increase sales)
- 商品を卸売する (Shōhin o oroshiuri suru - Sell goods wholesale)
Figurative selling
- 時間を売る (Jikan o uru - Sell time)
- 夢を売る (Yume o uru - Sell dreams)
- 魂を売る (Tamashii o uru - Sell one's soul)
Conversation Starters
"What's something interesting you bought recently? (Maybe you can ask the seller if they sell other things!)"
"If you had a shop, what would you sell?"
"Have you ever sold something online? What was it?"
"Do you prefer buying things new or used? Why?"
"What's the most unusual thing you've seen being sold?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you sold something. What was it, and why did you sell it?
Imagine you could sell any skill or talent you have. What would it be, and how would you market it?
Write about a time you felt pressured to 'sell out' or compromise your values. What did you do?
Reflect on the role of selling in society. Is it always a positive or negative act?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions売る is the general verb 'to sell', used in everyday conversation. 販売する is a more formal term, often used in business contexts, meaning 'to sell' or 'to market'.
Yes, 売る can be used for selling services, skills, or even information, not just physical goods.
The direct opposite is 買う (kau), which means 'to buy'.
You can use the passive form 売られる (urareru). For example, 'This book is sold in many countries' - この本は多くの国で売られています (Kono hon wa ooku no kuni de urarete imasu).
Yes, it can be used figuratively, for example, 'selling one's soul' (魂を売る - tamashii o uru) or 'selling out' one's principles, though specific expressions might be more common.
売れる is the intransitive verb meaning 'to sell well' or 'to be popular'. It describes the state of a product being sold easily, rather than the action of selling itself. For example, 'This product sells well' - この商品はよく売れる (Kono shōhin wa yoku ureru).
Yes, the noun form is 売り (uri), meaning 'sale' or 'selling'. For example, 'The sale of this item' - この商品の売り (Kono shōhin no uri).
It is extremely common and fundamental for understanding any transaction or commercial activity in Japanese.
Test Yourself
私は古い本を ______。
The sentence means 'I ______ old books'. '売る' (to sell) fits the context.
What does 売る mean?
売る is the Japanese verb for 'to sell'.
The verb 売る is used when you receive money for something.
Selling involves exchanging goods or services for money.
Word
Meaning
Matching the Japanese words with their English meanings.
The correct sentence order is '彼は車を売る' (He sells a car).
この店では、新鮮な野菜を ______。
The sentence means 'In this store, they ______ fresh vegetables'. '売っています' (are selling) is the correct verb.
Which phrase best describes selling one's principles?
While not a perfect 1:1, '信念を売る' is the closest figurative expression for selling out one's principles.
The idiom '叩き売る' means to sell something at a very high price.
'叩き売る' means to sell something very cheaply, often to clear stock.
おもちゃを ______。
Context suggests selling toys, so '売る' is appropriate.
The correct sentence is 'この絵は高く売れる' (This painting will sell for a high price).
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 売る unlocks understanding of countless commercial interactions and economic concepts in Japanese.
- 売る (uru) means 'to sell'.
- It's the opposite of 買う (kau - to buy).
- Used for goods, services, and figuratively.
- Essential for commerce and daily transactions.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a bustling marketplace. Picture vendors shouting 'Uru! Uru!' as they sell their goods. Associate the sound 'uru' with this scene of active selling.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 売る when people discuss shopping, business deals, or even when someone is getting rid of old items. It's used constantly in daily life.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, the act of selling is often accompanied by politeness and specific service etiquette (omotenashi). While 売る is the verb, the cultural context adds layers to the transaction.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember 売る is a Group 1 verb. Its polite form is 売ります (urimasu). This pattern applies to many common verbs.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More daily_life words
もう少し
B1A little more.
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.
ひとりで
A2Alone.
~のに
B1Even though; despite (particle/conjunction).
ごぜん
A2Morning (a.m.).
煩い
B1Noisy; annoying.
