Basic Meaning
The verb 買う (かう) means "to buy" or "to purchase." It is one of the most common verbs used in everyday conversation when talking about shopping or acquiring goods.
Usage Notes
買う is a transitive verb and requires a direct object, usually the item being purchased. It is often used with particles like を to mark the object.
Common Collocations
- 買うもの (things to buy): used when listing or planning purchases.
- 買い物をする (to do shopping): a common phrase combining 買う with 物 (things) to express shopping.
- 買うつもり (intend to buy): expresses intention.
Politeness and Register
買う can be used in casual and polite speech. For polite form, use 買います.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 買う with 売る (うる, to sell). Remember 買う means to acquire by paying, while 売る means to give something in exchange for money.