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
販売する
はんばいする (hanbai suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sell" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うる and 販売する.
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, 販売する (はんばいする (hanbai suru)) maps to "to sell; to market" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To sell products or services, often in a commercial context. More formal than 売る. 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 "販売する"
この商品はインターネットでのみ販売されています。
This product is sold only on the internet.
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.". "販売する" represents "to sell; to market".