Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Stock" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "stock", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
株
かぶ (kabu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
仕入れる
しいれる (shiireru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "stock" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 株 and 仕入れる.
In Japanese, 株 (かぶ (kabu)) is typically associated with "stock (shares); stump (of a tree)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents In the context of N3, it most commonly refers to shares in a company.
On the other hand, 仕入れる (しいれる (shiireru)) maps to "to stock; to purchase (for resale); to lay in supplies; to gather (information)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 店などで販売する商品や材料を買い入れること。また、情報などを入手することも表します。. A literal translation of "stock" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "株"
彼は新しい会社の株を買った。
He bought shares in a new company.
Bilingual Context for "仕入れる"
この店では新鮮な野菜を毎日市場から仕入れています。
This store stocks fresh vegetables from the market every day.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は新しい会社の ＿＿＿ を買った。" (Meaning: "He bought shares in a new company.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "株" fits here because it means "stock (shares); stump (of a tree)" in the context of: "He bought shares in a new company.". "仕入れる" represents "to stock; to purchase (for resale); to lay in supplies; to gather (information)".