買います in 30 Seconds
- To buy, purchase.
- Essential for shopping.
- Polite form: 買います (kaimasu).
- Plain form: 買う (kau).
The Japanese verb 買います (kaimasu) is the polite present affirmative form of the verb 買う (kau), which means 'to buy'. It is used to express the action of purchasing something. This is a fundamental verb in everyday Japanese, essential for any interaction involving shopping or acquiring goods. You will hear and use this verb constantly when you are in Japan or interacting with Japanese speakers about buying things, from groceries at a supermarket to a new car or a souvenir.
Imagine you're in a bustling Japanese market. You see a delicious-looking treat and want to purchase it. You would approach the vendor and say, 'これを買います (Kore o kaimasu)' meaning 'I will buy this'. The politeness of 'kaimasu' makes it suitable for most situations, whether you are speaking to a shopkeeper, a friend, or even a stranger. It conveys respect and is the standard way to talk about buying in most contexts.
Consider a scenario where you are planning a trip. You might tell a friend, 'お土産を買います (Omiyage o kaimasu)' which translates to 'I will buy souvenirs'. This indicates your intention to purchase gifts or mementos for others. The verb is versatile, applying to any kind of purchase, big or small. It's about the act of exchange – giving money for an item or service.
In a more formal setting, like a business meeting discussing procurement, while more specialized vocabulary might be used, 'kaimasu' can still appear in general conversation about purchasing decisions. For instance, a manager might say, '新しい設備を買います (Atarashii setsubi o kaimasu)' meaning 'We will buy new equipment'. The context and surrounding vocabulary would indicate the formality, but the core meaning of 'to buy' remains consistent.
Learning 買います (kaimasu) is a crucial step for anyone learning Japanese, as it unlocks countless everyday interactions. It's one of the first verbs you'll likely encounter when discussing daily life activities. The simplicity and directness of its meaning make it incredibly useful.
- Grammatical Note
- '買います' is the polite '-masu' form. The plain form is '買う (kau)'. The object being bought is typically marked with the particle 'を (o)'.
- Usage Examples
- - I want to buy a book. (本を買いたいです - Hon o kaitai desu.)
- Did you buy that? (それを買いましたか？ - Sore o kaimashita ka?)
Today, I will go to the store and buy some fruits. 買います.
Using 買います (kaimasu) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role and common sentence structures. As a verb, it typically appears at the end of a sentence or clause. The object being purchased is usually preceded by the particle を (o).
Here are some common patterns:
- Subject + Object + 買います
- This is the most basic structure. The subject is often omitted in Japanese if it's clear from context.
I will buy a book. 本を買います (Hon o kaimasu).
- Subject + Time/Place + Object + 買います
- Adding temporal or locational information.
Tomorrow, I will buy a new phone. 明日、新しい電話を買います (Ashita, atarashii denwa o kaimasu).
- Subject + Object + For Whom + 買います
- Specifying the recipient of the purchase.
I will buy a gift for my mother. 母へのお土産を買います (Haha e no omiyage o kaimasu).
- Using with question particles (か - ka)
- To ask if someone will buy something.
Will you buy this? これを買いますか (Kore o kaimasu ka)?
You'll encounter 買います (kaimasu) in countless real-life situations in Japan. It's a staple of daily conversation and commercial interactions.
At Shops and Stores: This is the most obvious place. When you're at a convenience store (コンビニ - konbini), a department store (デパート - depaato), a supermarket (スーパー - suupaa), or any retail establishment, you'll hear staff asking customers if they wish to buy something, or customers themselves stating their intention to buy.
Salesperson: 'Anything else you'd like to buy?' 他に何か買いますか (Hoka ni nanika kaimasu ka)?
On Television and Radio: Advertisements frequently use 買います to encourage viewers and listeners to purchase products. Commercials often showcase people happily buying items, with voiceovers saying phrases like 'This popular item, buy it now!' (人気のこの商品、今すぐ買います！ - Ninki no kono shouhin, ima sugu kaimasu!).
In Online Shopping: When browsing Japanese e-commerce sites, the button to finalize a purchase might be associated with the verb 買う (kau) or its forms. While the button might say 'Purchase' (購入 - kounyuu), the surrounding text or customer reviews will often use 買います.
Among Friends and Family: When discussing plans or shopping trips, people will use 買います to talk about what they intend to purchase. For example, 'I'm going to buy a new game this weekend.' (今週末、新しいゲームを買います - Konshuumatsu, atarashii geemu o kaimasu.)
At Markets and Fairs: Whether it's a local farmers' market or a special event, vendors will be encouraging people to buy their goods, and customers will be expressing their desire to buy.
A child might say to their parent, 'Mom, I want to buy this toy!' お母さん、このおもちゃを買いたいです (Okaasan, kono omocha o kaitai desu). (Note: This uses the 'want to buy' form, but directly relates to the base verb.)
In Travel Situations: When asking for directions to a store or discussing what souvenirs to get, 買います will be used.
Essentially, any situation where goods or services are exchanged for money is a place where you will hear and use 買います.
While 買います (kaimasu) is a straightforward verb, learners can make a few common mistakes, often related to particles or verb conjugation.
- Forgetting the Object Particle 'を (o)'
- One of the most frequent errors is omitting the particle を (o) after the noun that is being bought. This particle is essential for marking the direct object of the verb. For example, saying '本買います (Hon kaimasu)' instead of '本を買います (Hon o kaimasu)' is grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect: 本買います (Hon kaimasu)
Correct: 本を買います (Hon o kaimasu)
- Confusing Polite and Plain Forms
- Learners might use the plain form 買う (kau) in situations where the polite 買います (kaimasu) is expected, or vice versa. For instance, using 買う (kau) when speaking to a store clerk would be considered impolite.
Impolite: 店で本買います (Mise de hon kaimasu) - Incorrect verb form for the context.
Polite: 店で本を買います (Mise de hon o kaimasu) - Appropriate for speaking to staff.
- Incorrect Past Tense or Negative Forms
- Mixing up the conjugations for past tense (買いました - kaimashita) or negative (買いません - kaimasen) can also lead to errors. For example, saying '昨日、本買います (Kinou, hon kaimasu)' when you mean 'Yesterday, I bought a book'.
Incorrect: 昨日、本買います (Kinou, hon kaimasu)
Correct: 昨日、本を買いました (Kinou, hon o kaimashita)
- Overuse or Misuse of 'Kaimasu' for Similar Actions
- While 買います means 'to buy', it's not always the best verb for every transaction. For instance, renting (借りる - kariru) or borrowing (借りる - kariru) have different verbs. Be sure you are truly performing the act of purchasing.
While 買います (kaimasu) is the most common way to say 'to buy', there are other words and phrases that convey similar meanings or are used in specific contexts. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate word.
- 買う (kau) - Plain Form
- This is the dictionary form and plain form of the verb. It's used in informal speech among friends and family, in writing, or when quoting the verb. 買います (kaimasu) is the polite conjugation of 買う (kau).
- 購入する (kounyuu suru) - More Formal/Written
- This is a more formal and often written term for 'to purchase'. You'll see it frequently on official documents, in business contexts, and on e-commerce websites (e.g., 購入ボタン - kounyuu botan, 'purchase button'). While it means 'to buy', it carries a more serious or official tone than 買います.
- 手に入れる (te ni ireru) - To obtain/get
- This phrase means 'to obtain' or 'to get'. It can sometimes imply buying, but it's broader and can also mean acquiring something through other means, like receiving a gift or finding something. If the primary method of acquisition is buying, 買います is more specific.
- 仕入れる (shiireru) - To procure/stock up (for business)
- This verb is used specifically for businesses buying goods to sell. A shop owner would 仕入れる (shiireru) products from a wholesaler, whereas a customer would 買います (kaimasu) from the shop.
- 頂く (itadaku) - To receive (humble form)
- While not a direct synonym for 'to buy', if someone buys something for you as a gift, you would say you 'received' it using 頂く (itadaku). For example, 'Thank you for the gift I received.' (いただいたプレゼント、ありがとうございます - Itadaita purezento, arigatou gozaimasu.)
- 借りる (kariru) - To borrow/rent
- This is the opposite of buying in the sense of permanent acquisition. You borrow or rent things you intend to return, whereas you buy things you intend to keep.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 買 (kaimasu/kau) is a fascinating example of how language evolves with societal changes. The inclusion of the 'shell' radical (貝) directly points to a time when shells were a primary form of currency, making the act of buying intrinsically linked to these ancient monetary units. This connection is lost in modern usage but preserved in the character's structure.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'su' too strongly.
- Incorrect vowel sounds in 'ka' or 'i'.
Difficulty Rating
The verb '買います' itself is very common. Reading comprehension difficulty will depend on the complexity of the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structures. At A2, simple sentences are easy. At higher levels, complex sentences with subordinate clauses can increase difficulty.
Constructing simple sentences with '買います' is straightforward. Difficulty increases with the need to use correct particles, conjugations, and more complex sentence patterns.
Pronunciation is relatively easy. The challenge lies in spontaneous use, choosing the correct politeness level, and integrating it into natural conversation.
Recognizing '買います' and its variations is usually easy due to its high frequency. Understanding the context and nuances requires broader vocabulary and grammar knowledge.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
これは買います。
I will buy this.
Simple statement of intent to buy.
りんごを買います。
I will buy apples.
Object 'apples' marked with 'を'.
本を買いますか？
Will you buy a book?
Question form using 'か'.
えんぴつを買います。
I will buy a pencil.
Singular object purchase.
水を買います。
I will buy water.
Common daily purchase.
お菓子を買います。
I will buy snacks.
Plural or general category purchase.
チケットを買います。
I will buy a ticket.
Buying tickets for events.
パンを買います。
I will buy bread.
Basic food purchase.
明日、新しい靴を買います。
Tomorrow, I will buy new shoes.
Includes time adverb '明日' (tomorrow) and adjective '新しい' (new).
この店で美味しいケーキを買います。
I will buy a delicious cake at this store.
Includes location 'この店で' (at this store) and adjective '美味しい' (delicious).
友達のためにプレゼントを買います。
I will buy a present for my friend.
Indicates recipient with 'のために' (for the sake of).
いくらでこの本を買いますか？
How much will you buy this book for?
Uses 'いくらで' (for how much) to inquire about price.
昨日の夜、オンラインで服を買いました。
Last night, I bought clothes online.
Past tense '買いました' (bought) and method 'オンラインで' (online).
このカメラはいくらで買えますか？
How much can I buy this camera for?
Uses '買えますか' (can buy) which is related to ability.
母の誕生日プレゼントを買います。
I will buy a birthday present for my mother.
Specifies the occasion and recipient.
週末にスーパーで野菜を買います。
On the weekend, I will buy vegetables at the supermarket.
Combines time, place, and object.
来月、新しい車を買う予定です。
I plan to buy a new car next month.
Uses the pattern '～予定です' (plan to) with the plain form '買う'.
この地域では、新鮮な魚を毎日買います。
In this area, we buy fresh fish every day.
Describes a habitual action in a specific location.
セールで安くなった服を買いました。
I bought clothes that became cheaper during the sale.
Uses a relative clause to describe the item bought.
子供たちが欲しがっていたゲーム機を買ってあげました。
I bought the game console that the children wanted for them.
Uses '～てあげる' (do something for someone) with the bought item.
いくらならこの絵を買いたいと思いますか？
For how much do you think you would want to buy this painting?
Combines 'いくらなら' (if it's this much) with '～たいと思います' (think I want to).
この物件を買うにあたって、いくつかの条件があります。
There are several conditions for buying this property.
Uses the formal construction '～にあたって' (in doing/when doing).
彼女はいつも流行のブランド品を買います。
She always buys trendy brand-name items.
Describes a consistent purchasing habit.
この本は図書館で借りるのではなく、自分で買います。
I will buy this book myself, rather than borrowing it from the library.
Contrasts buying with borrowing.
将来のために、少しずつ貯金をして、家を買うつもりです。
For the future, I intend to save money little by little and buy a house.
Uses '～つもりです' (intend to) and describes a long-term financial plan.
この度は、貴重な機会をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。ぜひ購入させていただきます。
Thank you very much for this valuable opportunity. I will definitely purchase it.
Formal business language using '購入させていただきます' (will humbly purchase).
もし限定版が手に入るなら、多少高くても買いたいというファンが多いだろう。
There are probably many fans who want to buy the limited edition, even if it's a bit expensive, if they can get their hands on it.
Hypothetical situation using '～なら' (if) and expressing desire '～たい' with a probability '～だろう'.
彼は衝動買いが多く、後で後悔することがしばしばある。
He often makes impulse purchases and frequently regrets them later.
Introduces '衝動買い' (impulse buying) and '後悔する' (to regret).
このアンティークの家具は、その希少性と歴史的価値を考慮すると、購入する価値があると言える。
Considering its rarity and historical value, this antique furniture can be said to be worth buying.
Uses '～価値がある' (is worth) and a more analytical tone.
長年欲しかった車をついに手に入れたので、大切に乗りたいと考えている。
Since I finally got the car I had wanted for many years, I am thinking of taking good care of it.
Uses '手に入れる' (to obtain) and expresses a desire to cherish the purchase.
このプロジェクトのために必要な機材を、予算内で購入しなければならない。
We must purchase the necessary equipment for this project within the budget.
Uses the obligation form '～なければならない' (must) and '予算内' (within budget).
消費税率の引き上げに伴い、多くの商品が値上がりするため、今のうちに買っておくのが賢明だ。
As the consumption tax rate increases, many products will go up in price, so it is wise to buy them now.
Discusses economic factors influencing purchasing decisions.
その革新的な技術を導入するため、多額の投資をして最新鋭の機器を購入する計画が進行中である。
A plan is underway to make a large investment and purchase state-of-the-art equipment to introduce that innovative technology.
Formal, complex sentence structure involving planning and investment.
希少価値の高い美術品は、投機的な観点から購入する者もいれば、純粋な芸術的愛好から所有する者もいる。
Regarding rare and valuable works of art, some purchase them from a speculative perspective, while others own them out of pure artistic appreciation.
Contrasts different motivations for purchasing high-value items.
企業の社会的責任（CSR）の観点から、倫理的に調達された原材料のみを購入することが求められている。
From the perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it is required to purchase only ethically sourced raw materials.
Focuses on ethical considerations in business purchasing.
彼は、将来的な資産価値の上昇を見越して、不動産を複数購入している。
He is purchasing multiple properties, anticipating a future increase in asset value.
Discusses investment strategy in real estate.
その画期的な製品の発売に際し、初期ロットは瞬く間に完売し、追加生産分も予約購入で対応せざるを得なかった。
Upon the launch of that groundbreaking product, the initial lot sold out in the blink of an eye, and additional production had to be handled through pre-orders.
Describes high demand and rapid sales, using '予約購入' (pre-order purchase).
現代社会においては、単に物を所有することよりも、経験やサービスを購入することに価値を見出す傾向がある。
In modern society, there is a tendency to find value in purchasing experiences and services rather than merely owning things.
Discusses a shift in consumer values towards experiences.
持続可能な消費を推進するため、環境負荷の少ない製品を優先的に購入する消費者が増えている。
To promote sustainable consumption, the number of consumers who preferentially purchase products with low environmental impact is increasing.
Focuses on eco-conscious purchasing behavior.
その希少な古書は、コレクターの間で高値で取引されており、容易に購入できるものではない。
That rare old book is traded at high prices among collectors and is not something that can be easily purchased.
Describes the difficulty and high cost of acquiring rare items.
グローバル経済の変動性を鑑み、企業はサプライチェーンの多様化を図り、リスク分散のために複数の供給元から戦略的に資材を購入している。
Given the volatility of the global economy, companies are diversifying their supply chains and strategically purchasing materials from multiple sources to spread risk.
Highly sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structure related to global business strategy.
文化財の保護という観点から、不法に海外へ流出した美術品を買い戻すための国際的な取り組みが行われている。
From the perspective of cultural heritage protection, international efforts are being made to buy back artworks illegally smuggled abroad.
Discusses international legal and ethical issues surrounding the acquisition of cultural assets.
その企業の買収は、市場シェアの拡大と技術革新の加速を目的としており、多大な資本を投じて実行される。
The acquisition of that company aims to expand market share and accelerate technological innovation, and is executed by investing enormous capital.
Uses '買収' (acquisition/buyout), a specialized term for large-scale corporate purchasing.
個人の投資行動は、マクロ経済指標、心理的要因、そして将来予測といった複合的な要素に影響され、合理的な判断に基づいて購入が決定される。
Individual investment behavior is influenced by a complex interplay of macroeconomic indicators, psychological factors, and future predictions, with purchases being decided based on rational judgment.
Analyzes the multifaceted nature of investment decisions and purchases.
消費者の購買意欲を掻き立てるためには、単なる機能性の訴求に留まらず、ブランドストーリーやライフスタイルとの結びつきを巧みに演出する必要がある。
To stimulate consumer purchasing desire, it is necessary to skillfully create not just appeals to functionality, but also connections to brand stories and lifestyles.
Discusses advanced marketing strategies to influence purchasing decisions.
持続可能な社会の実現に向けて、企業は倫理的調達基準を厳格に適用し、環境や人権に配慮した製品のみを購入する責務を負う。
Towards the realization of a sustainable society, companies bear the responsibility to strictly apply ethical sourcing standards and purchase only products that consider the environment and human rights.
Emphasizes corporate responsibility and ethical purchasing in the context of sustainability.
その希少な芸術作品は、世界中の富裕層コレクターたちが熾烈な争奪戦を繰り広げた末、記録的な高値で落札された。
That rare work of art was won at a record-breaking high price after an intense bidding war among wealthy collectors worldwide.
Describes a highly competitive and high-stakes purchase scenario.
現代のデジタルプラットフォームにおいては、アルゴリズムによるパーソナライズされた推奨を通じて、消費者の潜在的な購買ニーズを掘り起こし、購入へと誘導する仕組みが構築されている。
In modern digital platforms, mechanisms are built to unearth consumers' latent purchasing needs and guide them towards buying through algorithmically personalized recommendations.
Explains how technology influences and drives consumer purchases.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I will buy this.
このケーキを買います。
— I want to buy ~.
新しいカバンを買いたいのですが、おすすめはありますか？
— I bought ~.
昨日、セールで素敵なワンピースを買いました。
— I plan to buy ~.
来月、車を買う予定です。
— I forgot to buy ~.
牛乳を買うのを忘れてしまった！
— I decided not to buy ~.
値段が高かったので、買うのをやめました。
— How much does it cost to buy ~?
このスマートフォンを買うのにいくらかかりますか？
— It takes time to buy ~.
家を買うのに長い時間がかかりました。
— How much did it cost to buy ~?
そのコートを買うのにいくらかかった？
— I like buying ~.
私は本を買うのが好きです。
Idioms & Expressions
— Impulse buying; buying something spontaneously without prior planning.
セールでついつい衝動買いをしてしまった。
Informal— Buying a large quantity of something, often items one desired as a child or things that are expensive, signifying a 'grown-up' purchase.
好きな漫画シリーズを全巻、大人買いした。
Informal— Buying in bulk; purchasing multiple items at once, often for convenience or discount.
食料品はいつも週末にまとめ買いをします。
Neutral— To supplement; to add to what one already has. Sometimes used in the context of buying something to complete a set or need.
この部品を足しにして、古い機械を修理しよう。
Neutral— To find a buyer; for something to be sold.
この古い家も、いつか買い手が付くだろう。
Neutral— The right time to buy; an opportune moment for a purchase, often due to price or market conditions.
株価が下がっているので、今が買い時かもしれない。
Neutral— To buy cheaply; to haggle for a low price, sometimes unfairly.
中古車販売店で、買い叩かれないように注意した。
Informal— To buy something without much thought or consideration; a casual purchase.
駅前で、つい買いしらすでコーヒーを買ってしまった。
Informal— To overestimate someone's abilities or value; to think too highly of someone. (Not directly related to buying items, but uses the 'kai' sound).
彼の能力を買いかぶりすぎていたようだ。
Neutral— To buy up all of something; to monopolize the supply.
人気商品はすぐに買い占められてしまう。
NeutralWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person saying 'Kai! I want to buy this!' while holding up a large, desirable item. The 'Kai!' sounds like 'buy'.
Visual Association
Picture a shopping cart overflowing with goods, with the kanji 買 prominently displayed on one of the items. Or, visualize someone handing over a pile of shells (貝) to receive a product.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five things you bought recently in Japanese using 買います (kaimasu) or its past tense 買いました (kaimashita).
Word Origin
The verb 買う (kau) has ancient origins in the Japanese language. It is believed to have evolved from even older proto-Japonic roots. The kanji 買 itself is composed of two parts: 'bei' (貝 - shell, which was used as currency in ancient times) and 'da' (大 - big). This hints at the historical connection between shells as money and the act of buying.
Original meaning: The original meaning is strongly tied to the use of shells as currency in ancient Japan. The kanji 貝 (shell) visually represents this early form of payment.
Japonic languagesCultural Context
When discussing purchases, especially expensive ones, it's generally polite to avoid overly ostentatious displays. However, showing appreciation for a well-chosen item is common.
In English-speaking cultures, 'buy' is also a fundamental verb for transactions. The politeness level is conveyed through tone and phrasing like 'Could I buy this?' or 'I'd like to buy...'. The concept of impulse buying is also prevalent.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping for daily necessities
- 食料品を買います (shokuryouhin o kaimasu)
- 日用品を買います (nichiyouhin o kaimasu)
- スーパーで買います (suupaa de kaimasu)
Buying gifts
- プレゼントを買います (purezento o kaimasu)
- お土産を買います (omiyage o kaimasu)
- 誕生日に買います (tanjoubi ni kaimasu)
Summary
買います (kaimasu) is the polite form of the Japanese verb 'to buy'. It's used in everyday situations when you are purchasing an item or service, from small purchases like groceries to larger ones like electronics.
- To buy, purchase.
- Essential for shopping.
- Polite form: 買います (kaimasu).
- Plain form: 買う (kau).
Related Content
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.
