How to Say “Buy That One” in Japanese

If you find yourself in a Japanese market or store and want to express your desire to purchase a specific item, it’s useful to know how to say “buy that one” in Japanese. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of conveying this phrase, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and learn how to navigate the world of shopping in Japan!

Formal Ways to Say “Buy That One” in Japanese

When speaking formally, there are a couple of common phrases you can use to express your intention to buy a specific item. These include:

1. それを買いたいです (Sore o kaitai desu)

This phrase straightforwardly translates to “I want to buy that.” By using the word “それ” (sore), which means “that,” you can point to the desired item while saying this phrase to clearly indicate your intention. The verb “買いたい” (kaitai) means “want to buy” in Japanese and is used to express your desire to purchase the item.

Example: If you want to buy a book, you would say “それを買いたいです” (Sore o kaitai desu) while pointing to the book.

2. あのものを買いたいです (Ano mono o kaitai desu)

This phrase translates to “I want to buy that thing over there.” It becomes useful when you want to specify the item in a more detailed manner. “あのもの” (ano mono) means “that thing over there.” Similar to the previous phrase, you can point to the item while saying this phrase to make your intention clear.

Example: If you want to buy a shirt displayed farther away, you would say “あのものを買いたいです” (Ano mono o kaitai desu) while pointing towards the shirt.

Informal Ways to Say “Buy That One” in Japanese

If you’re in a more casual setting or speaking to friends or acquaintances, you can use informal expressions to convey your desire to purchase a specific item. Here are a few commonly used phrases:

1. それ買いたい (Sore kaitai)

This casual phrase is a simplified version of the formal expression “それを買いたいです” (Sore o kaitai desu). By omitting the polite ending “です” (desu), the phrase becomes more informal. You can still use the pointing gesture mentioned earlier to indicate the desired item.

Example: To express your desire to buy a pair of shoes, you would say “それ買いたい” (Sore kaitai) while pointing at the shoes.

2. あれ欲しい (Are hoshii)

This phrase is a more colloquial way of expressing your wish to purchase something specific. It translates to “I want that.” Instead of using “それ” (sore) to refer to a specific item, this expression uses “あれ” (are) which means “that.” While saying this phrase, you can again use the pointing gesture to indicate the item you want to buy.

Example: If you want to buy a hat, you can say “あれ欲しい” (Are hoshii) while pointing at the hat.

Additional Tips and Examples

1. Use Polite Language

When shopping in Japan, it is always advisable to use polite language, especially when speaking to store staff or unfamiliar individuals. This reflects respect and courtesy, which are highly valued in Japanese culture. Therefore, it is recommended to use the formal expressions mentioned earlier in most situations.

2. Point to the Desired Item

To avoid any confusion, it is helpful to point directly at the item you want to buy while saying the corresponding phrase. This gesture clarifies your intention and assists the store staff or the person you’re speaking to in understanding your request.

3. Adapt the Phrases for Different Items

By substituting “それ” (sore) or “あのもの” (ano mono) with the specific name of the item, you can tailor the phrases to suit your needs. This allows you to express your desire to purchase a particular item in a more specific manner.

Example: Let’s say you want to buy a specific bag. You can modify the phrases as follows:

• それを買いたいです → そのバッグを買いたいです (Sono baggu o kaitai desu)
• あのものを買いたいです → あのバッグを買いたいです (Ano baggu o kaitai desu)

4. Respect Regional Variations

Japanese language and customs can vary across different regions of Japan. While the phrases mentioned in this guide are widely understood, there might be some variations or local dialects in certain areas. It is always good to be open to regional variations when communicating in Japan.

Shopping in Japan can be an exciting experience, and being able to convey your desire to purchase a specific item in Japanese adds to that experience. By using the formal or informal phrases discussed in this guide, along with the tips provided, you’ll find it easier to navigate the shopping landscape and engage in meaningful interactions with store staff or locals. So, go out there, explore, and enjoy your shopping adventure in Japan!