買 – Buy (Bai / Kau Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 買.
Kanji 買 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
買 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 売買 (baibai – buying and selling) and 買収 (baishuu – acquisition).
Used as a verb meaning "to buy," such as 本を買う (hon o kau – to buy a book).
買 Stroke Order – How to Write 買
買 is written with 12 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the net/eye component (罒) at the top, followed by the shell/money component (貝) at the bottom.
Common Words Using 買 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 8 essential words that use the kanji 買, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 買
See 買 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
スーパーで野菜を買いました。
すーぱーで やさいを かいました。
Suupaa de yasai o kaimashita.
I bought vegetables at the supermarket.
週末にデパートで買い物します。
しゅうまつに でぱーとで かいものします。
Shuumatsu ni depaato de kaimono shimasu.
I will go shopping at the department store on the weekend.
新しいスマートフォンに買い換えました。
あたらしい すまーとふんに かいかえました。
Atarashii sumaatofun ni kaikaemashita.
I replaced my smartphone with a new one.
この車は安全装備が充実しています。
このくるまは あんぜんそうびが じゅうじつしています。
Kono kuruma wa anzensoubi ga juujitsu shite imasu.
This car comes fully equipped with safety features.
ネットで本を安く買うことができます。
ねっとで ほんを やすく かうことが できます。
Netto de hon o yasuku kau koto ga dekimasu.
You can buy books cheaply online.
Frequently Asked Questions About 買
What does the Kanji 買 mean?
買 means "to buy." It is an essential JLPT N5 kanji used in everyday verbs like 買う (kau, to buy) and nouns like 買い物 (kaimono, shopping).
What is the Onyomi reading of 買?
The primary Onyomi reading of 買 is バイ (bai), as in 売買 (baibai, buying and selling) and 買収 (baishuu, acquisition).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 買?
The main Kunyomi reading of 買 is かう (kau, to buy).
How many strokes does 買 have?
買 is written with 12 strokes.
Is 買 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 買 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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