買います (買う)

The Japanese verb 買います (kaimasu), or its dictionary form 買う (kau), is one of the most fundamental actions in any language: the act of purchasing or buying something. At its core, it represents the exchange of currency for goods or services. In the context of Japanese society, where commerce is highly ritualized and polite, understanding how to use this verb correctly is essential for daily survival, from buying a simple rice ball at a 7-Eleven to purchasing a high-end luxury item in Ginza. The word encompasses the entire process of deciding on an item, presenting payment, and completing the transaction. It is a 'Godan' verb, meaning it follows a specific conjugation pattern where the final 'u' sound shifts. In the polite form, it becomes 'kaimasu', which is what you will use with shop staff, strangers, and in most social settings to maintain a respectful distance. Using the dictionary form 'kau' is reserved for close friends, family, or when writing in a casual journal. Beyond the physical act of buying, the word can also be used metaphorically, such as 'buying a fight' (picking a quarrel) or 'buying into' an idea, though these are more advanced usages. The kanji for this word, 買, is fascinating. It consists of two parts: the top part 罒 represents a net, and the bottom part 貝 represents a shell. In ancient times, shells were used as currency, so the kanji literally depicts the act of 'netting' or gathering money-shells to acquire something. This historical depth adds a layer of richness to a seemingly simple daily verb.

Transaction Type

General purchasing of physical goods, digital products, or services.

Politeness Level

Standard polite (Desu/Masu) form, suitable for all public interactions.

When you are in Japan, you will hear this word in various forms. For instance, a shop assistant might ask if you are 'buying' something today, or you might tell a friend what you 'bought' (kaimashita) over the weekend. The verb is also central to the concept of 'kaimono' (shopping), which literally translates to 'buying things'. In Japanese culture, the act of buying is often accompanied by specific etiquette. For example, when you 'kaimasu' something, you usually place your money on a small tray (tsuri-trei) rather than handing it directly to the cashier. This verb is the gateway to understanding Japanese consumer culture, which balances extreme modernism with traditional politeness. Whether you are buying a 'bento' for lunch or a 'omiyage' (souvenir) for your colleagues, 'kaimasu' is the engine of that interaction. It is also important to note that 'kaimasu' is used for buying things for oneself or others, but if you are treating someone, you might use different verbs like 'ogoru' (to treat). However, for the basic exchange of money for value, 'kaimasu' remains the undisputed king of verbs.

Social Context

In Japan, shopping is a major social activity. 'Kaimasu' is the verb that facilitates these social bonds through gift-giving.

Furthermore, the verb 'kau' is used in various compound words and idiomatic expressions. For example, 'kaishime' refers to cornering the market or buying up all the stock of a particular item, a term often heard during supply shortages. There is also the phrase 'yasu-mono-gai no zeni-ushinai', which is the Japanese equivalent of 'penny wise, pound foolish'—literally, 'buying cheap things and losing money'. This shows that 'kau' is not just a mechanical verb but one deeply embedded in the Japanese philosophy of value and quality. As you progress in your Japanese studies, you will find that 'kaimasu' is a versatile tool. You can use it to express intent ('kaitai desu' - I want to buy), permission ('katte mo ii desu ka' - May I buy this?), or even regret ('kawanakereba yokatta' - I shouldn't have bought it). Each of these forms relies on the base verb 'kau'. Understanding the nuances of 'kaimasu' is therefore a foundational step in becoming proficient in Japanese, as it allows you to navigate the ubiquitous world of commerce with confidence and clarity.

Grammar Focus

The 'te-form' of kau is 'katte' (with a small tsu). This is a common point of confusion for beginners.

Using 買います (kaimasu) in a sentence requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure, specifically the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order. The most basic pattern is '[Subject] wa [Object] o kaimasu'. For example, 'Watashi wa hon o kaimasu' (I buy a book). In many cases, the subject 'watashi' is omitted if it is clear from the context. The particle を (o) is the direct object marker, indicating what is being bought. If you want to specify where you are buying the item, you use the particle で (de). For instance, 'Super de ringo o kaimasu' (I buy apples at the supermarket). If you are buying something from a specific person or store, you might use に (ni) or から (kara), as in 'Tanaka-san kara kuruma o kaimashita' (I bought a car from Mr. Tanaka). The verb conjugates to reflect tense and politeness. 'Kaimasu' is the non-past polite form, used for future actions or habitual present actions. 'Kaimashita' is the past polite form ('I bought'). 'Kaimasen' is the negative form ('I do not buy'), and 'Kaimasendeshita' is the past negative ('I did not buy'). Mastering these four basic polite forms allows you to handle most shopping scenarios in Japan. Additionally, the dictionary form 'kau' is used in various grammatical structures. For example, to express a desire to buy, you change 'kaimasu' to 'kaitai' and add 'desu' for politeness: 'Atarashii fuku ga kaitai desu' (I want to buy new clothes). Note that with 'tai' forms, the particle 'o' often changes to 'ga'.

Particle Usage

Object + を (o) + 買います. Location + で (de) + 買います.

Another important aspect is the use of 'kaimasu' in the continuous form to describe an action currently in progress or a state. This is done using the 'te-form' plus 'imasu': 'katte imasu'. However, 'katte imasu' usually means 'I am currently in the process of buying' or 'I have bought it and currently possess it' (though the latter is less common for 'kau' than for verbs like 'motsu'). More commonly, you will see 'katte oku', which means 'to buy something in advance for future use'. For example, 'Nomimono o katte okimasu' (I will buy drinks in advance). This is a very common expression when preparing for a party or a trip. You might also encounter 'katte kuru', which means 'to go buy something and come back'. If you are at home and realize you need milk, you might say 'Gyuunyuu o katte kimasu' (I'll go buy some milk and come back). This 'te-form' + 'kuru' construction is vital for natural-sounding Japanese. Furthermore, when you want to ask for permission to buy something, you use 'katte mo ii desu ka?'. This is useful if you are shopping with someone and want their opinion or if you are a child asking a parent. Conversely, 'katte wa ikemasen' means 'you must not buy it'. These variations show that 'kaimasu' is not just a static verb but a dynamic one that changes to fit the nuances of human interaction and intention.

Tense Variations

買います (Future/Habit), 買いました (Past), 買いません (Negative), 買いませんでした (Past Negative).

In more formal or written contexts, you might see the verb 'kau' used with the particle 'ni' to express purpose. 'Kaimono ni ikimasu' (I go for shopping) is common, but you can also say 'Hon o kai ni ikimasu' (I go to buy a book). Here, the 'masu-stem' of the verb (kai) is used. This 'stem + ni + iku/kuru' pattern is a standard way to express the purpose of movement. As you move into intermediate Japanese, you will also learn how to use 'kau' in passive and causative forms. 'Kawaremasu' (to be bought) is used when the focus is on the object, such as 'This book is bought by many people'. 'Kawasemasu' (to make someone buy) might be used in a context where a salesperson or a persuasive friend influences a purchase. Finally, the potential form 'kaeru' (can buy) is extremely useful. 'Koko de chiketto ga kaemasu ka?' (Can I buy tickets here?). Notice that the particle 'o' often changes to 'ga' with the potential form. By understanding these various patterns, you can use 'kaimasu' to express everything from a simple daily chore to a complex desire or a social obligation. The versatility of 'kaimasu' makes it a perfect example of how a single Japanese verb can be expanded into dozens of useful daily expressions.

Compound Verbs

買い換える (kaikaeru) - To buy a replacement. 買い溜める (kaidameru) - To hoard/stock up.

The word 買います (kaimasu) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, echoing through the aisles of supermarkets, the bustling floors of department stores, and the digital spaces of e-commerce. One of the most common places you will hear it is at a 'konbini' (convenience store). When you bring an item to the counter, the clerk might not use the verb 'kau' directly, but you will use it to express your intent or ask questions. For example, if you are looking for a specific magazine, you might ask 'Kono zasshi wa koko de kaemasu ka?' (Can I buy this magazine here?). In supermarkets, you'll hear announcements about 'o-kaidoku' (a good buy/bargain), which stems from the same root. During the 'Seikatsu' (daily life) routines, Japanese people often discuss their purchases with friends and family. You might hear someone say 'Kore, doko de katta no?' (Where did you buy this?) in a casual setting. This is a very common way to compliment someone's fashion or a new gadget. In the world of online shopping, which is massive in Japan with platforms like Rakuten and Amazon Japan, the button for 'Buy Now' is usually labeled 'Ima sugu kau' or 'Kounyuu suru' (a more formal version of buy). The verb 'kau' is thus the bridge between the physical and digital marketplaces.

Daily Life

Conversations about groceries, clothes, and household items.

Business/Formal

Discussions about procurement, stock, and consumer trends.

In the business world, 'kau' takes on a more strategic tone. While 'kaimasu' is used for general transactions, 'kounyuu suru' is often preferred in formal documents or when discussing large-scale corporate purchases. However, in a casual office setting, colleagues might still say 'Atarashii sumaho o kaimashita' (I bought a new smartphone). You will also hear 'kau' in the context of the stock market. 'Kabu o kau' means to buy stocks. In financial news, analysts might discuss whether it is a good time to 'buy' or 'sell' (uru). Another interesting place you hear 'kau' is in the idiom 'doryoku o kau', which means to 'buy' or appreciate someone's effort. This shows that the concept of 'buying' extends to valuing non-material things. In television commercials, the imperative form 'kaou!' (Let's buy!) or 'kaimashou!' is frequently used to encourage consumers. During seasonal sales like 'Hatsu-uri' (the first sale of the New Year), the word 'kau' is everywhere, associated with the excitement of getting a good deal. The cultural phenomenon of 'Fukubukuro' (lucky bags) is all about 'buying' a mystery set of items, and you'll hear people debating which store's bag they should 'kau' this year. These examples illustrate that 'kaimasu' is not just a word found in textbooks; it is a vibrant part of the Japanese linguistic landscape, reflecting the country's deep engagement with commerce and social exchange.

Media Usage

Commercials, news reports on economy, and shopping variety shows.

In anime and manga, 'kau' is often used in slice-of-life scenes. Characters might argue over who 'bought' the last limited-edition snack or plan a trip to 'kau' supplies for a school festival. In more dramatic genres, 'kau' might appear in the context of 'buying time' (jikan o稼ぐ - note that 'kasegu' is often used for 'earning' time, but 'kau' can be used for 'buying' loyalty or information in a darker sense). In the world of sports, a team might 'buy' (acquire) a new player, though 'kakutoku suru' (acquire) is more formal. Even in the gaming world, 'item o kau' (buying items) is a core mechanic in RPGs and mobile games. This widespread usage across different media and real-life scenarios ensures that as a learner, you will encounter 'kaimasu' almost every single day. Whether you are reading a label, listening to a podcast, or walking down a street in Osaka, the sounds of 'kau' and 'kaimasu' will be a constant companion, signaling the endless cycle of exchange that defines modern Japanese life. By paying attention to these contexts, you can learn not just the meaning of the word, but the 'feeling' of when it is appropriate to use it, which is the key to true fluency.

E-commerce Terms

カートに入れる (Add to cart), 今すぐ買う (Buy now), 購入履歴 (Purchase history).

One of the most frequent mistakes beginners make with 買います (kaimasu) is confusing it with other verbs that sound similar. The most notorious 'trap' is the verb 飼います (kaimasu), which means 'to keep or raise a pet'. While they are pronounced exactly the same in their polite forms, their kanji are different (買 vs 飼) and their meanings are worlds apart. If you say 'Inu o kaimashita', you could mean 'I bought a dog' or 'I kept/raised a dog'. In context, people usually understand, but using the wrong kanji in writing is a major error. Another common confusion is with 変えます (kaemasu), which means 'to change', or 返します (kaeshimasu), which means 'to return something'. Beginners often trip over the 'ka' sounds. Another grammatical pitfall is the conjugation of the 'te-form'. Since 'kau' ends in 'u', its te-form is 'katte' (with a small tsu). Many students mistakenly say 'kaite', which is the te-form of 'kaku' (to write). Saying 'Hon o kaite kudasai' when you mean 'Please buy the book' will result in the person writing a book instead! Always remember: 'kau' -> 'katte', 'kaku' -> 'kaite'.

Homophone Alert

買います (Buy) vs. 飼います (Keep a pet). Same sound, different kanji.

Conjugation Error

Confusing 'katte' (buy) with 'kaite' (write) or 'kite' (come/wear).

Another mistake involves the use of particles. As mentioned before, the object being bought must be marked with を (o). However, when using the 'tai' form (want to), learners often stick with 'o' when が (ga) is more natural. While 'Kuruma o kaitai' is technically acceptable, 'Kuruma ga kaitai' is often preferred in modern speech. Furthermore, confusing the particles で (de) and に (ni) for location is common. You buy *at* a store (mise *de* kaimasu), but you might buy *from* a person (Tanaka-san *ni/kara* kaimasu). Using 'mise ni kaimasu' sounds like you are buying something 'into' the store, which is nonsensical. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 'kaimasu' is for the act of buying, not the act of paying. While they happen together, 'harau' (to pay) is the specific verb for the exchange of money. If you want to say 'I'll pay', use 'haraimasu', not 'kaimasu'. Also, be careful with the potential form 'kaeru'. It sounds identical to 'kaeru' (to return home) and 'kaeru' (to change). In speech, context and pitch accent help, but in writing, the kanji 買える, 帰る, and 変える are your only guides. Misusing these can lead to funny or confusing situations, like saying you 'can buy home' instead of 'return home'.

Particle Pitfall

Using 'ni' for the store location instead of 'de'. Correct: Mise de kaimasu.

Finally, a subtle mistake is using 'kaimasu' when you should use a more humble or honorific form. While 'kaimasu' is polite, if you are talking about a customer buying something (in a business context), you should use 'o-kaage' or 'kounyuu sareru'. Conversely, if you are talking about yourself buying something from a superior, you might use 'motomeru' or other humble constructions, though this is for very advanced levels. For A2 learners, the most important thing is to avoid the 'pet' vs 'buy' confusion and to get the 'te-form' right. Also, remember that 'kaimasu' is a verb of action. If you want to say 'I have a new car' (meaning you bought it and now own it), you would say 'Atarashii kuruma o motte imasu' or 'Atarashii kuruma o kaimashita'. Using 'kaimasu' in the present tense often implies a future intention ('I will buy') or a habit ('I buy every day'). If you just bought it, use the past tense 'kaimashita'. Misunderstanding the temporal aspect of Japanese verbs is a common hurdle, but with practice, 'kaimasu' will become second nature. Just keep an eye on those shells in the kanji, and you'll always remember it's about the money!

Vocabulary Nuance

買います is for the transaction. 払います (haraimasu) is for the physical act of paying money.

While 買います (kaimasu) is the most common way to say 'to buy', Japanese offers several alternatives depending on the formality, the nature of the item, and the context of the transaction. The most frequent formal alternative is 購入する (kounyuu suru). This is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) word, which generally sounds more academic, professional, or official. You will see 'kounyuu' on receipts, in business contracts, and on e-commerce 'Purchase' buttons. While you might say 'Kutsu o kaimashita' to a friend, a company would say 'Bizinesu-yo no PC o kounyuu shimashita'. Another alternative is 手に入れる (te ni ireru), which literally means 'to put into one's hand'. This is used when the focus is on 'obtaining' or 'acquiring' something, especially something that was hard to get. For example, 'Zutto hoshikatta gēmu o te ni iremashita' (I finally got/acquired the game I always wanted). This sounds more like an achievement than a simple transaction. Then there is 仕入れる (shiireru), which is specifically used for 'stocking up' or 'buying wholesale' for business purposes. A shop owner 'shiireru' vegetables from a market to sell them to customers. Using 'kaimasu' in this context would sound like the owner is buying them for personal dinner.

購入する (Kounyuu suru)

Formal/Business. Used for official purchases, real estate, or expensive equipment.

手に入れる (Te ni ireru)

To acquire/obtain. Focuses on the result of getting something desired.

In more casual or specific settings, you might encounter 買い込む (kaikomu), which means 'to buy in bulk' or 'to stock up' (often with the intent of keeping the items for a long time). If a storm is coming, people might 'kaikomu' food and water. There is also 買い占める (kaishimeru), which means 'to buy up everything' or 'to corner the market', often used negatively when someone buys all the stock of a popular item to resell it (reselling is 'tenbai'). For high-end items or when you want to sound more sophisticated, you might use お求めになる (o-motome ni naru), which is the honorific version of 'kau'. Shop staff in expensive boutiques will use this: 'Kochira no shouhin o o-motome desu ka?' (Are you seeking/buying this product?). Another interesting word is 落札する (rakusatsu suru), which specifically means 'to win an auction' or 'to successfully bid'. If you are using Yahoo! Auctions (very popular in Japan), you don't just 'kau', you 'rakusatsu' the item. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker and allows you to choose the word that best fits the 'weight' of the purchase.

仕入れる (Shiireru)

To lay in stock/wholesale. Used by businesses to get inventory.

買い占める (Kaishimeru)

To buy up/monopolize. Often used in the context of panic buying.

Finally, let's look at some verbs that are often confused with buying but are different. 借りる (kariru) means 'to borrow' or 'to rent'. Beginners sometimes confuse 'buying' a house with 'renting' one. If you are paying monthly, it's 'kariru'. If you are paying the full price to own it, it's 'kau' or 'kounyuu suru'. Another one is 貰う (morau), which means 'to receive'. If someone gives you something for free, you 'morau' it; you don't 'kau' it. In some dialects, like Kansai-ben, you might hear 買う (koote) instead of 買って (katte), which is a regional variation of the te-form. Knowing these alternatives not only enriches your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of Japanese social dynamics. Whether you are engaging in a simple daily transaction or a major life-changing purchase, choosing the right word shows respect for the process and the person you are dealing with. As you continue your journey, try to spot these different 'buying' words in the wild—on signs, in news broadcasts, and in conversations—to see how they add flavor and precision to the Japanese language.

Register Comparison

Casual: 買う (kau). Polite: 買います (kaimasu). Formal: 購入する (kounyuu suru). Honorific: お求めになる (o-motome ni naru).