Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sell" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sell", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
売る
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 売る and 販売する.
In Japanese, 売る (うる (uru)) is typically associated with "to sell" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Commonly used for selling goods or services. The polite form is 売ります.
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 "売る"
この店は本を売っています。
This store sells books.
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: "この店は本を売っています。" (Meaning: "This store sells books.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "売る" fits here because it means "to sell" in the context of: "This store sells books.". "販売する" represents "to sell; to market".