Meaning
The kanji 買 (かう) means “to buy” or “to purchase,” a fundamental action in daily life. You'll encounter it frequently in Japanese, as it's essential for discussing transactions.
Historically, the character 買 is a pictogram combining two elements: the top part (罒), which represents a net (originally 網), and the bottom radical 貝, which signifies "shell" or "money." In ancient China, shells were used as currency. Therefore, the 貝 radical directly links this kanji to concepts of value and exchange. This visual imagery suggests using a net to gather valuable shells (money) or items, symbolizing the act of purchasing goods.
As an N5-level kanji taught in Japanese elementary schools (3rd grade), 買 is one of the first and most important kanji for learners. It has 12 strokes. Breaking down its components makes its meaning easier to remember: a transaction where you use money (貝) to acquire something, perhaps like catching it in a net (罒).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi reading for 買 is バイ (BAI). This reading, originating from Chinese, typically appears in compound words and is often used in more formal or technical contexts. It does not function as a standalone verb.
- 売買 (baibai) — buying and selling, trade. This compound pairs 買 with its opposite, 売 (う.る, ばい - to sell).
- 購買 (kōbai) — purchase, buying. Often refers to the act of purchasing in a broader, more abstract sense, as in “purchasing power” (購買力) or “corporate purchasing” (企業購買).
- 買収 (baishū) — acquisition, buyout. Commonly used in business for scenarios like one company acquiring another, or buying out assets.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading for 買 is か.う (ka.u), forming the verb 買う (かう), meaning “to buy.” This native Japanese reading is used when the kanji appears alone or with okurigana (送り仮名) to complete the verb. It’s the most common way to express the act of buying in everyday speech.
- 買う (kau) — to buy, to purchase. This basic verb describes buying anything from groceries to a new car.
- 買い手 (kaite) — buyer, purchaser. This refers to the individual or party making a purchase.
- 買い出す (kaidasu) — to buy up, to procure. This implies buying a significant quantity or buying out an entire stock of something.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 買 is vital in both daily conversations and commercial contexts, appearing in many common words and compounds. Below are key examples, grouped by theme:
Everyday Shopping & Transactions
- 買い物 (kaimono) — shopping, things bought. This is a fundamental term for the act of shopping.
- 買物客 (kaimonokyaku) — shopper, customer.
- 買い替える (kaikaeru) — to buy a replacement. For instance, you might 買い替える (kaikaeru) an old smartphone for a new model.
- 買い時 (kaidoki) — good time to buy, buying opportunity.
- お買い得 (okaidoku) — a bargain, a good buy. Frequently seen in retail advertisements.
Business & Finance
- 購買力 (kōbairyoku) — purchasing power. This refers to the financial capacity to buy goods and services.
- 売買契約 (baibai keiyaku) — sales contract, buy-sell agreement. A formal, legally binding agreement for a transaction.
- 買値 (kaine) — purchase price, buying price.
- 買い占める (kaishimeru) — to buy up, to hoard. This often describes buying a large quantity, sometimes to control market supply.
- 買い取り (kaitori) — purchase, buying up (e.g., of used goods). Many shops offer 買い取り (kaitori) services for second-hand items.
Specific Buying Actions
- 買い込む (kaikomu) — to stock up on, to lay in a supply of. For example, 買い込む (kaikomu) groceries for the week.
- 買い出し (kaidashi) — bulk buying, purchasing supplies (often for an event or group). Like 買い出し (kaidashi) for a school festival.
- 買い置き (kaioki) — stock (of purchased goods), something bought and kept in reserve. Many households have 買い置き (kaioki) of essential items.
Example Sentences
新しい本を買いたいです。
Atarashii hon o kaitai desu.
I want to buy a new book.
昨日、スーパーでパンを買いました。
Kinō, sūpā de pan o kaimashita.
Yesterday, I bought bread at the supermarket.
私は<自分の<車を買うために、お金を貯めています。
Watashi wa jibun no kuruma o kau tame ni, okane o tamete imasu.
I am saving money to buy my own car.
友達へのプレゼントを買いに行く<予定です。
Tomodachi e no purezento o kai ni iku yotei desu.
I plan to go buy a present for my friend.
高価なものを買う<時は、よく<考えてからにしましょう。
Kōka na mono o kau toki wa, yoku kangaete kara ni shimashō.
When buying expensive things, let's do so after thinking carefully.
最近、オンラインで<本を買うことが<多くなりました。
Saikin, onrain de hon o kau koto ga ooku narimashita.
Recently, I've been buying books online more often.
この<家は、<私が<今まで<買ったものの<中で<一番高い<買い<物です。
Kono ie wa, watashi ga ima made katta mono no naka de ichiban takai kaimono desu.
This house is the most expensive thing I have ever bought.
彼は<電気自動車を買うことを<検討しています。
Kare wa denki jidōsha o kau koto o kentō shite imasu.
He is considering buying an electric car.
Related Kanji
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 店 — Shop, Store (Kanji N5)
- 六 — Six (Kanji N5)
- 三 — Three (Kanji N5)
- 十 — Ten (Kanji N5)
- 時 — Time, Hour (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 買, focus on its components. The bottom part, 貝, clearly represents “shell” or “money,” as shells were historically used as currency. The top part (罒) represents a net. Imagine using a net to gather valuable shells (money) or items you want to acquire. This vivid image directly connects to the act of “buying” or “purchasing” by acquiring something of value, usually with money. The net symbolizes the active process of a transaction, helping you 'catch' what you want to buy.