買う vs 買い取る
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 買う
Listen to 買い取る
| 買う | 買い取る |
|---|---|
KA-u verb | かいとる verb |
| to buy; to purchase | to buy (something from someone), to purchase and take ownership; to buy out |
How they differ
買い取る emphasizes acquiring ownership from another party (often a one-time transaction, valuation, or buyout), such as buying used goods or buying out assets; 買う is neutral and does not carry that nuance of taking over or valuation.
When to use each
When to use 買う: Use 買う when referring to ordinary consumer purchases without the nuance of taking ownership from a specific seller.
When to use 買い取る: Use 買い取る when describing buying something from someone (e.g., secondhand goods), a business buyout, or when the seller is being paid to transfer ownership.
Side-by-side examples
- 中古の自転車を買う。
(I buy a used bicycle.) - その店が古い自転車を買い取ってくれた。
(The shop bought my old bicycle from me.)
Register & nuance: 買い取る is slightly more transactional and often used in business or secondhand/trade contexts; it is more specific than the general 買う.