Buying things is a daily necessity and a common social activity in Japan.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The act of purchasing goods for money.
- Commonly used in daily life for groceries or shopping.
- Used with the verb 'suru' (to do).
Overview
- 1概要：『かいもの（買い物）』は、生活に必要な物や欲しい物を、対価（お金）を払って購入する行為を指す名詞です。日本語において最も基本的かつ頻繁に使われる言葉の一つです。2) 使用パターン：名詞として「買い物に行く」「買い物を済ませる」のように、「する（する動詞）」を伴って使われるのが一般的です。また、場所を表す言葉と組み合わせて「スーパーで買い物をする」のように表現します。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、スーパーマーケットやデパートでの食料品・日用品の購入を指すことが多いです。また、気分転換やレジャーとして「ウィンドウショッピング」を楽しむ際にも「買い物に行く」という表現が使われます。4) 類語との比較：『購入（こうにゅう）』は、より硬い表現で、ビジネスや公的な記録で使われます。一方、『かいもの』は話し言葉として非常に親しみやすく、日常のあらゆるシーンで使えます。
Examples
今日、スーパーへ買い物に行きます。
everydayI am going shopping at the supermarket today.
お買い物の合計金額は千円です。
formalThe total amount of your purchase is 1,000 yen.
ちょっと買い物してくるね。
informalI'm just going out to do some shopping.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
買い物中
In the middle of shopping
買い物のついでに
While I'm out shopping
買い物リスト
Shopping list
Often Confused With
Kounyuu is a formal, Sino-Japanese word used in business or official contexts. Kaimono is for daily life.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kaimono is a neutral noun used in almost any social situation. It is highly versatile and fits both formal (with 'o') and informal registers. Always pair it with 'suru' when describing the action.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'kaimono' as a verb directly, but it must be followed by 'suru'. Also, ensure you don't use it in highly technical business contracts, where 'kounyuu' is preferred.
Tips
Use with 'ni iku'
Pair 'kaimono' with 'ni iku' to express the purpose of going out. Example: 'Kaimono ni ikimasu' (I am going shopping).
Don't confuse with 'kau'
Remember 'kaimono' is a noun (the activity), while 'kau' is the verb (to buy). You cannot say 'kaimono suru' as one verb without 'suru'.
Shopping as a social activity
In Japan, shopping is often a social event done with friends or family. Mentioning 'kaimono' often implies a casual, pleasant outing.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 'kau' (to buy) and the noun 'mono' (thing). It is a native Japanese word combining these two basic elements.
Cultural Context
Shopping is a major part of Japanese urban culture, with large department stores and 'shotengai' (shopping streets) being central to community life.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Kai' (buying) + 'Mono' (things) = Buying things. It's a simple compound word that describes the activity perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「買い物をする」は購入という行為そのものに焦点を当てています。「買いに行く」は目的地へ向かう移動のニュアンスが強くなります。
スーパー、デパート、オンラインショップなど、金銭を支払って物を手に入れるあらゆる場所で使えます。
「お」をつけると丁寧な響きになります。特に女性が使うことが多く、少し上品な印象を与えます。
はい、言います。「ネットで買い物をした」のように表現します。
Test Yourself
週末はデパートへ___に行きます。
「買い物に行く」という慣用句の形です。
Score: /1
Summary
Buying things is a daily necessity and a common social activity in Japan.
- The act of purchasing goods for money.
- Commonly used in daily life for groceries or shopping.
- Used with the verb 'suru' (to do).
Use with 'ni iku'
Pair 'kaimono' with 'ni iku' to express the purpose of going out. Example: 'Kaimono ni ikimasu' (I am going shopping).
Don't confuse with 'kau'
Remember 'kaimono' is a noun (the activity), while 'kau' is the verb (to buy). You cannot say 'kaimono suru' as one verb without 'suru'.
Shopping as a social activity
In Japan, shopping is often a social event done with friends or family. Mentioning 'kaimono' often implies a casual, pleasant outing.
Examples
3 of 3今日、スーパーへ買い物に行きます。
I am going shopping at the supermarket today.
お買い物の合計金額は千円です。
The total amount of your purchase is 1,000 yen.
ちょっと買い物してくるね。
I'm just going out to do some shopping.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
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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.
