The verb 'kaimono suru' refers to the activity of shopping rather than the act of purchasing a specific item.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To purchase goods or services in exchange for money.
- Used to describe the activity of shopping in general.
- Commonly paired with 'go' as in 'going shopping'.
Overview
- 1概要:「買い物する」は、商品やサービスと引き換えに金銭を支払う行為を指す動詞です。日本語において最も一般的かつ広範囲に使われる「買う」に関連する動詞の一つです。2) 使用パターン:名詞を伴う場合は「〜を買い物する」とは言わず、「〜を買う」とするのが一般的です。「買い物する」は行為そのものに焦点が当たっており、「買い物に行く」「買い物をする」といった形で使われます。3) 一般的な文脈:スーパーマーケットでの食料品の購入、デパートでの衣類の購入、ネットショッピングなど、生活のあらゆる場面で使われます。4) 類語との比較:「買う」は対象物(本を買う、車を買う)を具体的に示す際に使われます。「買い物する」は活動そのもの(今日、買い物する予定だ)を強調する際に非常に便利です。
Examples
今日はスーパーに買い物する予定です。
everydayI plan to go shopping at the supermarket today.
週末は家族で買い物します。
formalI will go shopping with my family on the weekend.
昨日、たくさん買い物したよ。
informalI did a lot of shopping yesterday.
消費者はオンラインで買い物する傾向がある。
academicConsumers tend to shop online.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
買い物リスト
shopping list
買い物の途中
in the middle of shopping
買い物依存症
shopping addiction
Often Confused With
Kau takes a direct object (X o kau). Kaimono suru describes the general activity of shopping.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kaimono suru is neutral and widely used. It is slightly more descriptive of the process than the simple verb 'kau'. In formal writing, 'kounyuu suru' (purchase) might be preferred over 'kaimono suru'.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is trying to attach an object directly to 'kaimono suru' like 'pen o kaimono shita'. Always use 'kau' for specific items. Remember that 'kaimono' is a noun, so it needs the verb 'suru' to become an action.
Tips
Focus on the activity, not the item
Use 'kaimono suru' when talking about the general activity of shopping. Use 'kau' when you want to mention the specific item you are buying.
Avoid direct object particles with kaimono
Do not say 'ringo o kaimono suru'. Instead, use 'ringo o kau' or 'ringo no kaimono o suru'.
Common social activity
Shopping is a major leisure activity in Japan. Friends often 'go shopping' (kaimono ni iku) together as a way to hang out.
Word Origin
Derived from 'kau' (to buy) and 'mono' (thing). It is a native Japanese compound word referring to the act of acquiring items.
Cultural Context
Shopping is a significant part of Japanese daily life, especially in urban areas with high accessibility to convenience stores and malls. It is often a social event for friends or families.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kai' (buying) + 'Mono' (things) = 'Doing the activity of buying things'. It's the act of gathering your 'things' together.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「買う」は対象物(例:本を買う)が必要ですが、「買い物する」は行為そのものを指します。そのため、「本を買い物する」とは言わず、「本を買う」と言います。
はい、「買い物」は名詞です。それに「する」をつけることで動詞として機能します。
はい、言えます。オンラインショッピングも「買い物する」という言葉で表現できます。
「買い物しました」または「買い物した」となります。日常会話では「買い物したよ」のように使います。
Test Yourself
週末はデパートへ___に行きます。
「買い物に行く」という慣用的なフレーズです。
Score: /1
Summary
The verb 'kaimono suru' refers to the activity of shopping rather than the act of purchasing a specific item.
- To purchase goods or services in exchange for money.
- Used to describe the activity of shopping in general.
- Commonly paired with 'go' as in 'going shopping'.
Focus on the activity, not the item
Use 'kaimono suru' when talking about the general activity of shopping. Use 'kau' when you want to mention the specific item you are buying.
Avoid direct object particles with kaimono
Do not say 'ringo o kaimono suru'. Instead, use 'ringo o kau' or 'ringo no kaimono o suru'.
Common social activity
Shopping is a major leisure activity in Japan. Friends often 'go shopping' (kaimono ni iku) together as a way to hang out.
Examples
4 of 4今日はスーパーに買い物する予定です。
I plan to go shopping at the supermarket today.
週末は家族で買い物します。
I will go shopping with my family on the weekend.
昨日、たくさん買い物したよ。
I did a lot of shopping yesterday.
消費者はオンラインで買い物する傾向がある。
Consumers tend to shop online.
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