Learning how to say “sells” in Japanese is useful when engaging in business discussions, negotiating deals, or simply expressing your interest in commerce. In this guide, we will explore the different formal and informal ways to express the concept of “selling” in Japanese. We will also provide tips, examples, and regional variations, if necessary.
Table of Contents
The Formal Way
In formal situations, such as business meetings or official presentations, it is important to use appropriate language to convey professionalism. The most common way to say “sells” in Japanese formally is by using the verb “urimasu” (売ります). This verb can be used in various contexts and is widely understood across Japan.
Examples:
- Our company sells high-quality products. (私たちの会社は高品質な製品を売ります。)
- He sells cars for a living. (彼は車を売ります。)
- The store sells a wide range of merchandise. (その店は幅広い商品を売ります。)
Note: “Urimasu” (売ります) can be adapted to various verb forms depending on the tense and politeness level required. For example, “urimasen” (売りません) is the negative form, while “urimashita” (売りました) is the past tense.
The Informal Way
In more casual situations or among friends, using a less formal language is appropriate. In this case, you can replace “urimasu” (売ります) with the verb “uru” (売る), which is the dictionary form.
Examples:
- I sell handmade crafts online. (オンラインで手作りのクラフトを売るよ。)
- They sell tickets for the concert. (彼らはコンサートのチケットを売るんだ。)
- She sells vintage clothes at the flea market. (彼女はフリーマーケットでヴィンテージの洋服を売るわ。)
Using “uru” (売る) in informal contexts creates a friendly and conversational tone. It is important to consider the situation and relationship with the person you are speaking to when deciding which verb form to use.
Regional Variations
Japanese has several regional dialects, and while the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are understood throughout Japan, there may be slight variations in different regions.
Kansai Dialect:
In the Kansai region, the verb “uru” (売る) is typically pronounced as “urō” (売ろう) in informal speech. It is common to hear this variation in cities like Osaka and Kyoto.
Tōhoku Dialect:
In the Tōhoku region, the verb “urimasu” (売ります) is often pronounced as “urimase” (売りませ) in some informal situations. This dialect is more prevalent in areas such as Sendai and Aomori.
Okinawan Dialect:
In Okinawa, the verb “urimasu” (売ります) is sometimes replaced with “chirumun” (ちるむん) in informal speech. This variation is specific to the Okinawan dialect and is not widely used outside the region.
It is important to note that while regional variations exist, they are not essential for basic communication in Japanese. However, understanding these variations can enhance your language skills and cultural knowledge.
Tips for Language Learners
Learning a new language can be challenging, but here are a few tips to help you on your journey to mastering Japanese:
- Practice with native speakers: Engaging in conversations with Japanese speakers will help you grasp the nuances of the language and gain confidence in using different verb forms, including “sells.”
- Listen to Japanese media: Watching movies, TV shows, or listening to music in Japanese can expose you to natural language usage and improve your listening comprehension skills.
- Use language learning apps and resources: There are numerous apps and online resources available that offer lessons, quizzes, and interactive exercises to reinforce your Japanese language skills.
- Immerse yourself in Japanese culture: Exploring Japanese traditions, customs, and even trying traditional foods can help you connect with the language on a deeper level and make learning more enjoyable.
- Be patient and persistent: Learning any language takes time and effort. Celebrate small victories and stay motivated, remembering that every step forward brings you closer to fluency.
So whether you plan to conduct business in Japan or simply want to communicate effectively with Japanese speakers, knowing how to express “sells” in Japanese is a valuable skill. By using the formal verb “urimasu” (売ります) or the informal verb “uru” (売る), you can confidently navigate conversations about commerce. Remember to consider the level of formality required for each situation and keep practicing to refine your language skills. Ganbatte! (Good luck!)
