Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sell" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sell", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
うる
うる (uru)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
売れる
うれる (ureru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sell" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うる and 売れる.
In Japanese, うる (うる (uru)) is typically associated with "to sell" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb meaning 'to sell'. Used for commercial transactions. The opposite is 買う.
On the other hand, 売れる (うれる (ureru)) maps to "to sell (intransitive), to be sold, to be popular" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 自動詞。商品などが「売られる」状態や「人気がある」状態を表す。. A literal translation of "sell" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "うる"
この店は色々なパンを売っています。
This shop sells various kinds of bread.
Bilingual Context for "売れる"
この商品は最近とてもよく売れています。
This product has been selling very well recently.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この店は色々なパンを売っています。" (Meaning: "This shop sells various kinds of bread.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "うる" fits here because it means "to sell" in the context of: "This shop sells various kinds of bread.". "売れる" represents "to sell (intransitive), to be sold, to be popular".