Meaning and Usage
"問屋" (とんや) refers to a wholesale store or wholesaler, a business that buys goods in large quantities from manufacturers and sells them to retailers or other businesses. It is a common term in commerce and supply chains.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "問屋" in contexts related to buying and selling goods in bulk, especially in industries like clothing, food, and general merchandise. It implies a business-to-business transaction rather than direct sales to consumers.
Collocations and Patterns
- 問屋価格 (とんやかかく): wholesale price, used when discussing cost advantages.
- 問屋から仕入れる (とんやからしいれる): to purchase from a wholesaler, emphasizing direct procurement.
- 問屋街 (とんやがい): wholesale district, a place where many wholesalers are located.
Register and Nuance
"問屋" is a neutral term used in both formal and informal business contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation unless discussing business or shopping contexts.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "問屋" with "小売店" (retail store). Remember, "問屋" sells to retailers, not directly to consumers. Using "問屋" when referring to a retail shop is incorrect.