買物袋
kaimonobukuro
The English phrase "shopping bag" is translated into Japanese as 買物袋 (kaimonobukuro). Wiktionary also lists ショッピングバッグ (shoppingu baggu).
Meaning: strong bag for carrying purchases (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 買物袋 | kaimonobukuro |
| ショッピングバッグ | shoppingu baggu |
A shopping bag refers to a strong bag used for carrying purchases. Depending on the specific type of bag you are referring to, Japanese speakers use more precise terms: エコバッグ is a reusable, environmentally friendly shopping bag. ビニール袋 is a disposable plastic bag. 紙袋 is a paper bag used for packaging. And トートバッグ is a large, open-top bag with parallel handles. In a retail setting, specifically when talking about the thin plastic bags provided at a checkout counter, the term レジ袋 is commonly used.
Which one should you use?
While 買物袋 is the standard Japanese term, the loanword ショッピングバッグ (shoppingu baggu) is also used and often implies a more stylish or designer-style bag.
How do you pronounce it?
kaimonobukuro
Did you know?
- The term レジ袋 comes from 'reji', a shortening of the English word 'cash register'. It refers specifically to the bag handed over at the point of sale rather than just any plastic bag.
- If you ask for a ビニール袋 (binīru bukuro), you are actually asking for a plastic bag. Although 'vinyl' is the word used, it refers to the flexible plastic material commonly used for disposable bags in Japan.
- When using a レジ袋 at a convenience store, it is common for the staff to ask if you need one, as they are now legally required to be charged for in most prefectures.
Examples in context
- 買物袋を二つ用意してください。kaimono bukuro o futatsu youi shite kudasai.Please prepare two shopping bags.
- この買物袋はとても丈夫です。kono kaimono bukuro wa totemo joubu desu.This shopping bag is very strong.
- 大きな買物袋が必要になりました。ookina kaimono bukuro ga hitsuyou ni narimashita.I have come to need a large shopping bag.
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are preparing to leave the store.
- 美咲 Misaki健太、買物袋を持ってくれた？Kenta, kaimonobukuro o motte kureta?Kenta, did you bring the shopping bags?
- 健太 Kentaあ、忘れていたよ。ごめん。A, wasurete ita yo. Gomen.Oh, I forgot them. Sorry.
- 美咲 Misakiじゃあ、店で買おうか。Jaa, mise de kaou ka.Then, shall we buy some at the store?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。そうしよう。Sou da ne. Sou shiyou.You're right. Let's do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shopping bag” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
