bycgan
/ˈbyj.jɑn/
The English phrase "buy" is translated into Old English as bycgan. If unsure, use bycgan. Wiktionary also lists ceapian.
Meaning: to obtain something with money (verb)
Ways to say it
| Old English | IPA |
|---|---|
| bycgan | /ˈbyj.jɑn/ |
| ceapian | /ˈt͡ʃæ͜ɑː.pi.ɑn/ |
Both bycgan and ceapian can be used to describe obtaining something through commercial means, but they carry different nuances of action.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to commerce, bycgan is the direct ancestor of the modern English "buy". In contrast, ceapian is more closely related to the concept of "trading" or "bargaining", which is the linguistic root of the modern English word "cheap".
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present indicative form of bycgan is byġeþ (buys), and the past tense is bohte (bought). The verb ceapian is derived from the noun ceap, which refers to a trade, market or purchase.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈbyj.jɑn/.
Did you know?
- The word ceapian is a linguistic relative of the modern English word 'chap', used as a term for a man or a fellow, likely originating from 'chapman' meaning a merchant.
- While bycgan became the standard word for 'buy', its sibling ceapian left its mark on English geography through the word 'cheap' in place names like 'Cheapside', which were originally market districts.
- The Old English ceapian shares a common root with the modern German word 'kaufen', which still means 'to buy'.
Examples in context
- Ðæt ic mæg þē ġecēapian þā gōdan bōc.That I may buy you the good book.
- Þæt land hē bohte for his mǣġde.He bought the land for his maiden.
- Ic wille þæt scip bycgan.I will buy that ship.
Example conversation
Two people are at a market.
- MildrythÆþelstan, cum hider!Æthelstan, come here!
- ÆthelstanHwæt wylt þū bycgan?What do you want to buy?
- MildrythIc wille sum wīn bycgan.I want to buy some wine.
- ÆthelstanÞæt is gōd geþoht.That is a good thought.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations and entries bycgan, ceapian, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bycgan, ceapian, CC BY-SA 4.0.
