買う
かう
kau
= to buy / to purchase
Kau (買う) means ‘to buy’ or ‘to purchase.’ It’s an essential verb for shopping and transactions in Japanese daily life.
Kau is a regular u-verb meaning to buy or purchase anything. Ringo wo kau (buy apples), hon wo kau (buy a book), kuruma wo kau (buy a car). The verb applies to any transaction where money exchanges for goods.
Kau is a u-verb: kaw-anai (doesn’t buy), kat-ta (bought). Common expressions: ‘nani wo kau?’ (What are you buying?), ‘katte mo ii?’ (Is it okay to buy?)
買 (kau) originally depicted a person and a container, representing the act of purchasing.
Everyday use
毎週スーパーで食べ物を買います。
Maishuu suupaa de tabemono wo kaimasu.
I buy groceries at the supermarket every week.
Casual / Social Media
新しいスマートフォンを買った。
Atarashii sumaauto fon wo katta.
I bought a new smartphone.
Formal / Cultural context
高い品物を買う時は、よく考えます。
Takai shinamono wo kau toki wa, yoku kangaemasu.
When buying expensive items, I think carefully.
Shopping culture in Japan emphasizes quality and aesthetic presentation. Stores wrap purchases beautifully, reflecting respect for customers and products.
The phrase ‘katte yaru’ (buy and give) shows how kau connects to gift-giving and generosity in Japanese culture.
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