Meaning and Usage
"在庫" (ざいこ) refers to the stock or inventory of goods, typically in a store or warehouse. It is commonly used in business and retail contexts to talk about the quantity of products available.
Common Collocations
- 在庫がある: to have stock available
- 在庫切れ: out of stock
- 在庫管理: inventory management
Usage Notes
When using "在庫," speakers often imply the availability or shortage of products. For example, "在庫切れ" is a frequent phrase indicating that an item is currently unavailable. This word is mostly used in formal or business settings but can appear in everyday conversation when discussing shopping or product availability.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "在庫" with "ストック" (stock in katakana), which can be used more broadly or informally. "在庫" specifically refers to physical goods stored for sale or use, so use it when talking about actual inventory rather than abstract stock concepts.