买

• Pinyin: mǎi
• Hanzi breakdown: 买 = simplified form of 買; top component + 贝 (shell/money)

Meaning

To buy; to purchase. The basic verb for acquiring goods or services with money.

One of the most essential everyday verbs. Often confused with 卖 (mài, to sell) which has a different tone. Used in a wide range of shopping and transaction contexts.

Examples

1. 我想买一本书。 I want to buy a book.
2. 你在哪里买的？ Where did you buy it?
3. 妈妈去超市买菜了。 Mom went to the supermarket to buy groceries.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我买了两个苹果。(I bought two apples.)
• 这个东西在哪里买的？(Where did you buy this?)

Don't Say

• 我买了他一本书。(Ambiguous — this could mean 'I bought a book from him'; to say 'I bought him a book,' say 我给他买了一本书)

Origin & History

The simplified character 买 derives from the traditional 買, which depicted a net (罒) over a shell (贝, ancient currency), suggesting collecting goods with money.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal